Supporters of Albert Bassey Akpan, governorship candidate of the Young Peoples Party (YPP) in Akwa Ibom state, have started to campaign on his behalf.
The rally, led by Asuquo Amba, Akpan’s running mate and a retired assistant inspector-general of police, was held on Friday at Etim Ekpo LGA of the state.
About two weeks ago, the federal high court in Akwa Ibom sentenced Akpan, a senator representing Akwa Ibom north-east, to prison for corruption.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had leveled a six-count charge against him bordering on money laundering and receipt of exotic cars worth N204 million from Jide Omokore, an associate of Diezani Alison-Madueke, a former minister of petroleum resources.
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Though the YPP gubernatorial candidate is in prison, hundreds of people attended the rally to show their support.
Addressing supporters, Imabong, wife of the guber candidate, said no prison is big enough to stop the “wish of the people”.
“Senator Bassey Albert – OBA is still on the ballot. [He] will win and not be despaired. No prison is big enough to stop the yearning of the people,” she said.
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On his part, Emem Akpabio, chairman of the campaign council, said the senator’s imprisonment is “a temporary setback designed to test their faith and propel the YPP to the height of freedom.”
Akpabio likened the senator’s imprisonment to that of former President Nelson Mandela and Joseph in the Bible.
Nyeneime Andy, YPP chairman in the state, said the party has gotten stronger in Akwa Ibom.
“As a party, we have been intimidated, but with God, we are stronger,” Andy said.
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“Akwa Ibom people have taken a decision that there is no other religion apart from Christianity, and we worship no one apart from God.”
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