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  • A’Ibom GEPT backs down on YPP’s Application for relocation to Abuja

    A’Ibom GEPT backs down on YPP’s Application for relocation to Abuja

    By Ogenyi Ogenyi,Uyo

    Akwa Ibom Governorship Elections Petitions Tribunal sitting in Uyo has rejected an application by the candidate of the Young Progressives Party, YPP, Senator Bassey Albert for the relocation of the Tribunal to Abuja.

    Its Chairman, Justice Adekunle Adeleye, who delivered the ruling on Wednesday during the resumed hearing of the tribunal, said the tribunal has not gotten any notice of stay of execution or relocation from the President of the Court of Appeal.

    To this end, the tribunal ruled that hearing on the Petition filed by the YPP candidate challenging the election of Pastor Umo Eno of the PDP would continue in Uyo on Thursday.

    According to Adeleye; “We do not have any directive on stay of execution or relocation of this tribunal and so this hearing in this court will continue. As of today we do not have the required quorum to hear this matter. Hearing in this matter is adjourned to tommorow (Thursday) at 9:am.”

    Earlier, Tunde Falola,Esq, counsel to the petitioner had reminded the court that their petition to the Court of Appeal for the relocation of the tribunal to Abuja, is pending as there is no response from the Appellate Court President yet, admitting that they have received the hearing notice of the tribunal and only came to show respect to the tribunal.

    But Counsel to 1st Respondent, INEC, Abdul Mohammed,SAN, opposed the position of the petitioners insisting that the petition to the Appeal Court President was not to their notice.

    “YPP cannot come and claim that because of the pendency of a letter nobody knew about, they can’t continue with the case. It’s not in all cases that when application is made that such application is granted.

    “And parties cannot come and hold the tribunal to ransom because of a petition to the president of appeal court that she may not even be aware of.

    “There is no evidence that such application will be granted. There is no evidence in law that suggests that the proceeding of the tribunal should stay until such application is granted.”

    The INEC Counsel insisted that, “while there is no time frame for the appeal court president to respond to the letter, whereas there is a lifespan for the tribunal to conclude its assignment.

    “As he rightly said he’s waiting for the tribunal’s direction, I urge this tribunal to direct the petitioners to immediately call their witness to enter the dock for fireworks to begin. We are urging the court to strike out the application as we are eager to prove to the court that the election we conducted was free and fair.”

    Paul Usoro,SAN, in support of the 1st respondent, INEC, cited relevant judicial authorities, and told the court that it was unethical for a person or counsel to write to a higher court without communicating with the other parties in a case.

    “Furthermore, he claimed his letter is based on threats to lives of petitioners and his counsel. He is a counsel in court today, and he has not been harassed. He doesn’t appear alone but as a team. He has not mention that any of his team members have been harassed. They are in court with their supporters today without any harassment.

    “On the 21st of June when the petitioners were absent in court, one of their counsel was in court. There was nothing to suggest any insecurity. We stand by the fact that the 1st petitioner should enter the witness box, and if he does, before 12 noon we will finish and he will leave without any problem.” Usoro submitted.

    On his part, Tayo Oyetibo,SAN, counsel to PDP said, “we only saw the purported letter online claiming it was written to the appeal court president and the tribunal chairman, without serving other parties in the matter.We urge the tribunal to ignore the letter because it is manifestly unethical and stands disregarded for the purpose of this proceeding.

    “Secondly, the publication was said to be written as far back as 22nd June 2023. Today is 5th July, 2 weeks after the letter was written to the appeal court president.

    “It therefore means that the appeal court president has adopted the judicial precedent of that same court, by ignoring the letter in obedience to its rules because it was manifestly unethical, and In law if something is manifestly unethical you don’t respond to it.

    “The first petitioner is in court, the second petitioner is in court. The lead counsel to the petitioners who travelled all the way from Abuja about 4 of them are here. So what are we waiting for? There is no atmosphere of violence here at the tribunal. There is no threat here or any likelihood of threat. Paragraph 46 sub 5 and 6 on the first schedule of the electoral act apply here on this matter now.

    “Since the first petitioner who gave evidence in-chief on 20th June, is physically present in court today and protected by the Grace of the Almighty God, he should be ordered to enter the witness box for cross examination.

    “If he fails to do so, the court should close the case of the petitioner inline with the provisions of the electoral act. Particularly because he was their last witness.”

    After hearing the position of all parties, the Tribunal adjourned till Thursday by 9am for continuation of hearing.

    Also adjourned today to July 11, was the petition of the APC and its Governorship candidate, Akanimo Udofia against Governor Umo Eno and the PDP.

    Counsel to the APC governorship candidate and APC, has requested an adjournment to enable them get some documentary exhibits from INEC and enable the court sit when it has formed a quorum.

  • 2023: PDP fires back at YPP over rigging claims

    2023: PDP fires back at YPP over rigging claims

    By Odo Ogenyi Uyo

    The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Akwa Ibom has fired back at the Young Progressives Party, YPP, for accusing it of plot to rig the upcoming gubernatorial and State Assembly elections in the state.

    It would be recalled that the state YPP Chairman, Mr Nyeneime Andy had at a press conference in Uyo on Tuesday accused the PDP of colluding with the Independent National Electoral Commission,INEC,  in the state to rig the election.

    Andy also disclosed an alleged plan by the PDP to impress on the electoral umpire to submit the original result sheets of all the units, wards and LGAs to them penultimate to election day where the election figures would be falsified.

    But the PDP in a statement signed by its publicity secretary, Mr Borono Bassey yesterday in Uyo said YPP was crying foul  and raising false alarm having foreseen its defeat at the end of March 11 polls.

    “We have read the text of the Press Conference by the Chairman of the Young Progressives Party (YPP), wherein the Party made efforts to explain to her few members why they will again record an embarrassing outing of defeat in the March 11 Governorship and House of Assembly elections, like they suffered in the February 25th 2023 Presidential and National Assembly elections.

    “At that Press Conference, the State Chairman of the YPP, and General Overseer of an Uyo-based church, Apostle Nyeneime Andy, strenuously broke sweat trying to pin wild and outrightly false accusations on the INEC, Governor Udom Emmanuel and the PDP; 

    “It was indeed a crying shame to see the State Chairman of the YPP, a party who could not win even one seat in the just concluded National Assembly election, gather the handful of their members and sit in front of the media to shamelessly blame their woeful failure on other factors other than the truth which is that Akwa Ibom people have seen through the deceits and selfishness which is the foundation of their decision to congregate as Political Party.” It said.

    The statement also denied the allegation that Gov Udom Emmanuel was at the INEC office for many hours and challenged the YPP to provide evidence to prove the claim. 

    Bassey said PDP and the security agencies in Nigeria received intelligence that  YPP has ferried in thugs from neighboring states and are camping them in facilities owned by known chieftains adding that the party has alerted security agencies on the matter.

  • YPP accusee INEC of colluding with PDP to rig election in A’Ibom 

    YPP accusee INEC of colluding with PDP to rig election in A’Ibom 

    By Odo Ogenyi,Uyo

    The Young Progressives Party (YPP) has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of working with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to undermine the electoral process in this weekend’s guber polls in Akwa Ibom.

    State chairman, Apostle Nyeneime Andy told a press conference in Uyo yesterday that the party has received intelligence of plans by the commission to either delay the process, send inadequate materials and indliterate the security agencies in opposition areas inorder to disenfranchise voters in those areas.

    Andy who called on the State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr Cyril Omorogbe to use his office to restore the confidence in the process pointed out that the last Presidential/National Assembly elections were allegedly rigged in the state by INEC and PDP to favour the later but vowed to resist every attempt to rig this weekend’s polls.

    “From credible intelligence, the State PDP with the latitude of INEC has perfected plans to rig the forthcoming polls as follows: 

    Voting materials meant for Itu/Ibiono Ibom Federal Constituency must not leave INEC office until 12.30pm on Saturday March 11th, 2023.

    “Voting materials meant for the entire Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District must not be complete in some Federal Constituencies and must not leave INEC office before 10.00 a.m.  

    “Voting materials meant for Eket Senatorial District must leave INEC office on time as it is the presumed ‘sure bet zone’ for the PDP as the State Governor hails from there. The early departure of materials for the district is to be well publicised to distract attention or disclaim any accusation about late transportation of materials to any other locations.  

    “PDP thugs in company of illegal police officers and some genuine military personnel will be drafted to strongholds of opposition parties (emphasis was on YPP) to disrupt election through violence and destroy all the voting materials and even pretend to kidnap some INEC officials so as to exonerate INEC from the deal.” He explained.

    The chairman also alleged that plans have been completed by both parties to preset the BVAS and inflate figures during the collation of results.

    “We are also alerted that some BVAS have been preset with figures in favour of PDP before commencement of voting. In such instances, the 0000 on the BVAS will not be seen. 

    “Credible intelligence also has it that the State REC has been instructed to inflate the figures, during collation of results, in favour of PDP in a situation where the plan on the field did not materialize. 

    “Credible intelligence has also proved that millions of dollars and pounds sterlings are being shared and distributed by Governor Udom Emmanuel and his cohorts to vulnerable Akwa Ibomites to buy their consciences and votes in the forth coming election of March 11th, 2023. 

    “The State Commissioner of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and the Managing Director of Hensek Engineering Services are the major conduits of this funds.” Andy enumerated.

    In order to enable the electorates  elect candidates of their choice through a free, fair and credible excercise, Andy called on INEC to ensure that original result sheets and all relevant materials are timely delivered.

    He also appealed to security agencies, International Observers and the Embassies in Nigeria to take curious interest in Akwa Ibom  so as to checkmate any unwanton activitiesn and carry out thorough investigations.

  • 2023: No plan to attack YPP – AKSG

    2023: No plan to attack YPP – AKSG

    By Odo Ogenyi, Uyo

    Akwa Ibom State Government has refuted allegations that it has planned a violent attack on members and supporters of the Young Democratic Party, YPP, in the state.

    The state government was reacting to recent allegations by the state Chairman of YPP Campaign Council, Mr Emem Akpabio in a press statement, alleging impending attack against the YPP by the state government.

    In a statement signed by the state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Comrade Ini Ememobong and made available to newsmen in Uyo on Wednesday, the state government maintained that it has not recorded any state sponsored violence in the past seven and half years of the present administration.

    It therefore assured the citizens and residents that the PDP-led administration would not stoop as low as instigating security tension but would not fail to visit any who would bring any form of political unrest to the state with full weight of the law

    It recalled that it had, in an earlier statement hinted Akwa Ibom citizens of a planned unrest by politicians from opposition parties, without mentioning any of them.

    “We had hinted that the planned unrest was sponsored by politicians from opposition parties, without mentioning any of them. But as usual, the guilty are always afraid. This attitude of self-identification is not strange.

    “We recall that in 2019, when the State Government criminalized cultism, their candidate, without any direct accusation, took it personal and went on to admit to being “a cultist.

    ”This attitude of theirs is consistent with the age long African maxims that “old women are uncomfortable when dry bones are mentioned” and “a murderer is always afraid of someone walking behind him with a machete.

    “Let us assure their party that in the more than seven and a half years of this administration, there has been no incident of state-sponsored violence, and therefore, the citizens and security operatives are well aware that this administration cannot stoop as low as that, rather they recall the prime actors and masterminds of the Ikot Ekpene massacre, where Senator John James Udoedeghe escaped by the whiskers and the assassination attempt on Senator Helen Esuene at Ukana, Essien Udim.

    “We therefore, reassure the entire citizens and residents of Akwa Ibom state that the State Government in partnership with security agents will continue to exercise their constitutional responsibility of ensuring the security of lives and property and whosoever in found culpable of any crime will be made to face the full wrath of the law, irrespective of the political party affiliation or status.The prevailing peace in Akwa Ibom State must be sustained.”The statement stated.

  • 2023: YPP accuses Gov Emmanuel of appropriating N91B for PDP to manipulate PVCs

    2023: YPP accuses Gov Emmanuel of appropriating N91B for PDP to manipulate PVCs

    By Odo Ogenyi,Uyo

    The Young Progressive Party, YPP has accused Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom of appriopriating more than N91 billion of state government funds to pay some members of the People’s Democratic Party as inducement to help the party rig the 2023 elections.

    It has also expressed shock that Emmanuel spent over N1.24 billion last week to purchase 31 Hiace Buses for the State PDP’s guber campaigns without appropriation and approval by the State House of Assembly, querring whether the state government have the right to use public and tax payers’ money to fund a single political party.

    State chairman of the party, Mr Nyeneime Andy told a press conference in Uyo last weekend that the Emmanuel-led administration has set in motion a process to pervert democracy in the state in a bid to foist his stooge, Mr Umoh Eno on the people by manifesting acts of desperation and outright dictatorship by the regime.

    Andy said it was alarming that the PDP led government has placed 70 persons in each of the 4,354 voting units in the state on a stpipend of N100,000 each to mop up VIN numbers of Voters Cards in the area.

    “Governor Udom Emmanuel at the Get-together with his party at the state headquarters at Atan Offot, Uyo, announced the engagement of 70 agents in each polling units across the 31 Local Government Areas of the State on a monthly stipend of N100,000 to each. With the 4,354 polling units that we have in Akwa Ibom, the cost implication of hiring those agents is N91,334 billion (January – March).

    “It therefore amounts to favouritism and outright abuse of office to channel the resources of the state in the pursuit of personal interest. What he has just done by using State Government funds to purchase vehicles for his party and his preferred candidate is criminally liable. We accordingly wish to draw the attention of security agencies to this malfeasance.

    “Again, is it not shocking that a State that has been feigning lack of funds to pay gratuities to next of kin of late Primary Schools’ teachers and retired public servants will suddenly earmark N91,334 billion from public funds to pay PDP stalwarts? Is this the way to utilize the proceeds of the 13 % Derivation Refunds and other accruals from the Federal Government and other sundry sources – for which the citizens have been demanding accountability?

    “Another disturbing issue is the state government’s interference in the processes towards 2023 elections. We say so because we have received credible intelligence that Governor Udom Emmanuel–led administration through agents of the state and his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), have engaged in buying of Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) from unsuspecting members of the public across the 31 Local Government Areas.

    “They are also obtaining at least 50 VIN numbers from voters across all the 4,354 polling units in Akwa Ibom State. These emerging sharp practices reportedly go on through heavy financial inducement of the largely poor people who have been impoverished by the administration since 2015.” The chairman stated.

    He also accused some local government offices of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of conniving with the PDP while the state government’s ICT experts hobnob with some officials of the State INEC at different locations in the state calling on the Police and the Department of State Services (DSS) to carry out detailed investigations and bring offenders to book.

    “The Young Progressives Party emphatically call for total compliance to transparency on the processes preceding the conduct of polls to ensure that nobody or any institutions, including the Udom Emmanuel–led administration, are allowed to circumvent, or disenfranchise the electorate. Election can only be seen to be successful and acceptable only when it is free, fair and transparent; before, during and after the polls.”

    “The renewed hope of Nigerians is on the constant assurances given by the INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu that the forthcoming elections will be free and fair and that with the services of Bimodal Voter Registration Systems (BVAS), there will be no manipulation.

    “While we may not want to doubt his assurances, the ongoing development of open connivance of some officials of INEC with agents of Akwa Ibom State government has given us cause to be suspicious.” Andy concluded.

  • A’Ibom Church suspends Pastor for hosting YPP’s Thanksgiving Service

    A’Ibom Church suspends Pastor for hosting YPP’s Thanksgiving Service

    The Apostolic Church in Akwa Ibom has suspended one of its pastors for hosting the Thanksgiving and Dedication Service of the Young Progressives Party (YPP) in ONNA Local Council.

    It was learnt that Pastor E. Henshaw of the Ndon Eyo Township Assembly, shocked everyone during the service when he announced that he just recieved a message of suspension for opening the doors of the church for YPP. 

    Henshaw also said the Field Superintendent, Dr U.S Ukpong, had ordered him to appear before the Disciplinary Council of the church  the next day to explain why he should not be sacked for allowing YPP to dedicate its campaign and thank God in his assembly.

    The embattled Pastor said the police had the previous night, invaded his church, harassing him and threatening to detain him should he allow YPP to attend the church. 

    Also two days earlier, while the YPP officials were trying to secure a church for the dedication of its national assembly campaigns at the Apospolic Mount Olive Church in Awa Iman, the governor’s village, the church was sealed off by the police, allegedly on the orders of the state governorment.

    Thugs were also deployed to block off the entrance of the church on Sunday morning, in anticipation that YPP will force its way there, after the preacher-in charge, Prophet David, had earlier been warned not to host the party.

    Undeterred by the mindless.persecution, the governorship candidate of the Young Progressives Party (YPP) and frontline runner for the Hilltop mansion in Akwa Ibom State, Obong Albert Akpan (OBA) stressed that only God enthrones and unseats governments.

    “God unseats governments and enthrones governments and that same God who made Obong Attah governor; who made Godswill Akpabio governor; and who made Udom Emmanuel governor will also make me governor.

    “We are a people others rejected but God saw our sincerity of mind and is using us to achieve His purpose”. OBA then  predicted that YPP will shock other parties, through the mass support of the people so that “when we come in, we will not behave like them.” Akpan said.

    He lamented a situation where YPP has been blocked from all the public venues in the state, including Ibom Hall, Ikot Ekpene Stadium and even some churches in ONNA.

    The Senator also questioned why the member of Mbo defected but his seat was not declared vacant in the state House of Assembly but when Usoro Akpanusoh and Asuquo Nanna were suspected to belong to YPP, their seats were declared vacant.

    Mr Ephraim Inyang , speaking on behalf of other candidates, pledged sponsor the refurbishment of the entire church when they are elected.

    While dedicating the National Assembly campaigns, Prophet David Udo, reading from Lev 26:36, prayed God to use  “the sound of a shaken leaf” to change the heart of many Akwa Ibom voters in favour of YPP

  • Nigeria can do better, says A’Ibom YPP Senatorial candidate

    Nigeria can do better, says A’Ibom YPP Senatorial candidate

    Senatorial candidate of the Young Peoples Party, YPP in Akwa Ibom, Mr Ephraim Inyangeyen has said that Nigeria still have the potentials to be a great nation despite her current economic and social challenges.

    In a statement in Uyo at the weekend, Inyangeyen who is also a former Chief of Staff to Governor Udom Emmanuel maintained that the country would be great again if her citizens learn to be patriotic and hold leaders accountable for their actions.

    He commended Nigerians on efforts aimed at building and uniting the nation inspite of cultural,religious, political and social differences urging them to continue to promote things that unify rather than divide the nation.

    “My belief is that, as a country superfluously blessed with enviable natural, material and human resources, we are destined to be great and can certainly do better if we patriotically and earnestly put our acts together.

    “We can do this by continuing to embrace unity in spite of our diversity, justice and equity against the temptations to do otherwise, commonness of purpose in spite of individual preferences, and galvanizing our competitive and complementary individual talents to the strengthening of our collective goals as a country.

    “Indeed, the things that have bonded us together are stronger than those seeking in vain to divide and distract us on this journey! Let’s therefore build bridges of unity and common purpose rather than cut to destroy existing ones.

    “As we, this day, gather drums and cymbals to celebrate our strengths over our weaknesses; our triumphs in the face of challenges; and enduring songs of oneness over what may have sought to divide us, may this day remind all of us of the vision and patriotic sacrifices of our forefathers who foresaw that with a sovereign country, we truly shall be independent – with distinct identity, voice, and place in the comity of nations.” He concluded

  • 2023: OBA unveils Ex-AIG as Running Mate

    2023: OBA unveils Ex-AIG as Running Mate

    By Emeka Samuel, Uyo

    Gubenatorial candidate of the Young Progressives Party (YPP) in Akwa Ibom, Obong Bassey Akpan OBA, has unveiled a retired Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG, Chief Anwana Amba as his running mate for next year’s election, twenty four hours after he was elected as the party’s guber candidate.

    Amba according to the state chairman of the party Mr Nyenime Andy was chosen after exhaustive consultations with political associates, critical stakeholders and chieftains of the party.

    The retired AIG hailes from Urue Offong / Oruko Local Council of the state and would join the OBA team with a large network of critical contacts as well as wealth of experience in security management, community service and peace-building.

    Assuring that his running mate would bring a lot of value and vigour to the campaign, Akpan described his running mate as a true Akwa Ibomite, who has served the nation meritoriously with an uncontroversial credentials, before retiring as AIG.

    He said Akwa Ibom is too critical and too strategic a state to be left in the hands of incompetent persons, assuring that “help is on the way” through their candidacy.

    ”The power to elect the next governor is in the hands of Akwa Ibom people. That is why our party, the YPP, came up with the slogan ‘the ballot revolution.” He added.

    He maintained that their mandate would remain anchored on the three “Rs” representing the Recovery of Akwa Ibom; Reconciliation of the state to God and Repositioning of the state for greatness and assured that the YPP would build the foundation for a new Akwa Ibom based on social justice, equity and selfless service to the people.

    In an acceptance speech, running mate Amba, assured that he will work peacefully and assiduously to ensure success of the team and the party and assured of his loyalty to the people adding that he would work to stabilise the next government, which they will soon form after winning at the poll, next year.

    Andy in an opening remark had said YPP will soon move into all the units in readiness to form the next government in the state.

  • 2023: More defections hit PDP as OBA declares for YPP in A’Ibom

    2023: More defections hit PDP as OBA declares for YPP in A’Ibom

    The ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has continued to suffer more defections in Akwa Ibom following the declaration at the weekend of Senator Bassey Akpan for the Young Progressives Party (YPP).

    About 10,000 PDP members including the member representing Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency, Hon Emmanuel Ukpong ‘Udo and the lawmaker representing Ikono state constituency, Hon Asuquo Nana Udoh and thousands of others left the PDP for the Young Progressives Party in a reception rally held in Uyo.

    The event which had a chieftain of YPP, Senator Ifeanyi Uba and the state chairman of the YPP Pastor Nyenime Andy witnessed the national chairman of YPP, Bishop Emmanuel Amakiri formally receive Akpan and other chieftains of the PDP from across the 31 local government areas into YPP.

    At the event, the state chairman, who was also the gubernatorial candidate of the party announced that he was stepping down for Senator Bassey Albert Akpan, popularly called OBA by his admirers.

    The carnival-like event which held eexactly fifteen days after OBA decamped from his former party, PDP, over 10,000 others from different parties including PDP, APC and others, announced their mass defection to YPP.

    The national chairman of the party who charged the people that YPP has come to stay in Akwa Ibom adding that time has come for every young progressive Nigerian to take his destiny in his hands also expressed the pleasure that the masses have decided to rally round their popular son, OBA, to liberate Akwa Ibom from its current quagmire.

    Amakiri described OBA as the best person that can take Akwa Ibom to its desired destination and urged the people to eschew and resist vote buying because it brought Nigeria to its present misfortune.

    Akpan in his speech said that in line with the electoral laws,he willingly offered himself as an aspirant in the upcoming primaries for substitution, following Andy’s withdrawal of his candidacy.

    He assured the delegates that if given the chance at the primary, he will not disappoint the party, adding that as a governor, all the civil servants will be treated to social justice, welfare, fairness and equity in the next dispensation.

    The senator announced plans to work with others on the theme of “3Rs”, promising to “recover Akwa Ibom, reconcile Akwa Ibom back to God and reposition Akwa Ibom for greatness” declaring that hope is by the corner.

    He said the next government would banish hunger, insecurity, hardship and injustice from the staye and decried a situation the current government has refused to pay imprests to the workers for over 18 months and owes over N18 billion in pensions.

    While declaring that YPP will defeat PDP in all the units, OBA promised to clear gratuities and pensions as well as arrears of promotions as governor.

    The event was preceded by the official unveiling of the state YPP secretariat and OBA’s campaign office in Uyo.

  • 2023: Senator Akpan, 5,000 others join YPP from PDP in A’Ibom

    2023: Senator Akpan, 5,000 others join YPP from PDP in A’Ibom

    There is apprehension in the Peoples Democratic Party in Akwa Ibom as one of its foremost gubenatorial aspirants, Senator Bassey Akpan and 5,000 supporters and well-wishers officially joined the Young Progressive Party (YPP) on Monday.

    Akpan, who is the Senator representing Akwa Ibom North East and Senate Committee chairman on Petroleum Resources (Upstream), resigned his membership of PDP last week.

    The ceremony which held in his native Ibiono Ibom Eastern Ward 1 was witnessed by a tumultuous crowd of supporters and well-wishers where he completed all the party membership membership registration formalities before the ward chairman while his card was presented to him and his wife by the state chairman, Pastor Nyenime Andy, on behalf of the party.

    While welcoming him and others into the new party, Andy said YPP has become the fastest growing party in the state with the senator’s entrance.

    Akpan in response said that his new move has ushered in a new political era in Akwa Ibom.

    “Today, a new Akwa Ibom births. Akwa Ibom for you and Akwa Ibom for me. Akwa Ibom where there will be justice for all”, he said, commending Pastor Andy for rejecting all financial inducements from dubious elements to do wrong.” He explained.

    The Senator pledged that he and his teeming supporters were joining the party to help build and improve the foundation so that it can form the next government of Akwa Ibom state.

    He said 2023 would be about “character, competence and capacity”, assuring that he wouod never let Akwa Ibom people down.