By Mfon Ufford
His journey to the Presidency started on Friday, January 7, 2022 when he visited Human Rights Radio and Television in Abuja. Governor Udom spoke on his achievements as Governor from May 2015 till date. After the session, Ordinary President Ahmed Isah, among other numerous phone-in callers, beckoned on Governor Udom to contest for the 2023 Presidency, promising to mobilize Nigerians to funds to achieve this.
In the words of Ahmed Isah, “Now we are begging you. Soon we’ll lead a massive protest if you refuse to heed the plea of Nigerians. The country is bleeding. We need someone like you to use the knowledge of what you have done in Akwa Ibom to salvage the country”
Backing up their words with action, the Human Rights Radio and Television also called Brekete Family on March 30,2022, obtained the N40 million expression of interest form and nomination form for Governor Udom.
The group’s leader, Innocent Orji, who spoke on its behalf, said, “today is a new dawn in our country Nigeria because for the very first time in the history of Nigeria, this is the only time a group of people came together and said, change must take place come 2023. The Ordinary President, Dr Ahmed Isa, and the founder of the Brekete Family Radio and Television came out to say to the world that change must start come 2023. The change will start with us this time around. We the Brekete Family globally will purchase 10 Presidential nomination forms. Each person that wants to participate must have outstanding antecedents and we must purchase the form. We are starting from this particular person today. That’s why we purchased one today for the person of Dr Emmanuel Udom of Akwa Ibom state. This is just the starting point.”
In March 2022, Governor Udom took a step further towards actualizing his presidency by making key appointments into his Presidential Campaign Committee. Former Governor of Benue State and Senator representing Benue North East Mr. Gabriel Suswam, was appointed as the Chairperson of the Committee. Serving as the Director General of the Campaign Committee was the former military governor of Plateau and Niger States, Mr Habibu Shuaibu, while the spokes person of the committee was the former chairman of editorial board of The Punch Newspaper, Mr. Bola Bolawole.
At several fora, Governor Udom shared his plans for Nigeria. When meeting with the state chapter of the Peoples’ Democratic party in Calabar, Cross River State, he stated that he was running for the office of President in order to salvage the nation from its numerous predicaments.
In his words “”Today we are challenged by the present predicament and we must rise to save Nigeria. If we don’t do something now our children will in future ask us why we failed to offer our services knowing we had the capacity to do something. We need a president that can rise and challenge the status quo for the benefit of the country. I offer myself to partner with God to rescue Nigeria; if we get it right in 2023 Nigeria will get back on track.”
On April, 12, 2022, Governor Udom proceeded to meet with the members of the Senate Caucus of the Peoples’ Democratic Party at the Residence of Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe, the Minority leader. His belief in his ability to make Nigerian safe and peaceful, attract investments, as well as to make the nation economically vibrant is the reason Governor Udom told the caucus he was running for running for the 2023 Presidency. He went further to state numerous other achievements in his tenure as Governor of Akwa Ibom which make him ably qualified to become President of Nigeria. In his words, “those who can rescue Nigeria are the professionals in politics. Those who understand the language of the economy, those who understand the language of money and can manage resources, as well as those who have experience in the private and public sectors…If I could do these when I am only managing a sub-national where I do not have control of several policies, then I believe we can do better given the national platform as President.”
He thereafter received words of commendation from them, and their support to contest for the Presidency. The Arewa Movement for Actionable Change, AMFAC, also pledged its support for the Presidency of Governor Udom. In a statement released by the organization, it said, “in a society where the bond between leadership and followership is at an all time low, and one in which a divide exists within the polity. It is important to bring in an experienced man who has bridged the gap of both worlds. With his experience in financial institution, and his years as governor of Akwa Ibom state, Governor Udom Gabriel Emmanuel’s leadership is a testimony to the fact that when vision, pragmatism and experience meet at a junction, great things are inevitable. The people of Akwa Ibom can testify to his excellent style of leadership as he transformed Akwa ibom into one of the richest state in the country with a GDP of 11 Billion (USD).
“Despite his remarkable achievements which cuts across different sectors he still maintains a close relationship with the people, going as far as the doorsteps of villages and wards. As 2023 election is fast approaching, there have been a lot of uncertainties in the upcoming general elections, the current state of the nation needs a progressive and innovative mind to take over the affairs of the Country. A man like Governor Udom with such a great reputation and track record shouldn’t be in the back seat. He should take over the wheel of leadership to consolidate his legacy and to continue within a bigger capacity where his influence and impact can be felt on a national Level. That is why the Arewa Movement For Actionable change calls on his excellency Gov Emmanuel Udom to come and take over the affairs of the country so as to take us back to our glory days.”
After his campaign for votes from delegates, the Presidential Primaries held on May 28, 2022 at the MKO Abiola Stadium contests. In addition to Governor Udom, the other contenders were Atiku Abubakar (Vice President of the Federal Republic under the Presidency of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo), Nyesom Wike(Current Governor of Rivers State), Bukola Saraki (Former Governor of Kwara, and 8th Senate President), Bala Mohammed (Current Governor of Bauchi State), Anyim Pius Anyim ( Former Senate President and Secretary to the Government of the Federation during the Presidency of Goodluck Jonathan), Sam Ohabunwa (Founder and former CEO of Neimeth Pharmaceutical) and Olivia Tariela. At the counting of the ballot, Governor Udom garnered 38 votes, the second highest vote in the election, for a first time contestant.
The Presidential Primaries have come and gone, and important lessons have been learned. For a first time contestant, Governor Udom fared well at the primaries. Although he did not emerge as winner, he should not throw in the towel. He should give it a shot again. Governor Udom has what it takes to transform Nigeria. He has done it in Akwa Ibom, and will be able to replicate it on the national scene. Kudos to him.
