By Chioma Onuegbu
Uyo—PROMINENT chieftains of the All Progressives Congress APC, in Akwa-Ibom State, Mr Dan Akpan, a former member of the House of Representatives and Dr. Etido Ibekwe, a former Majority Leader in the state House of Assembly from Essien Udim LGA have defected to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

All Progressives Congress (APC) party supporters rally as they celebrate the re-election of the incumbent president and the leader of APC, in Kano on February 27, 2019. – Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari said his re-election was “free and fair”, after his beaten rival denounced the results as a “sham” and promised a legal challenge that could dominate politics for weeks. The 76-year-old one-time military ruler’s victory was confirmed late on February 26, 2019, after rescheduled polling blamed on logistical difficulties. (Photo AFP)

Akpan, who was defeated by the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Onofiok Luke in the just concluded House of Representatives contest and Ibekwe, defected during the PDP governorship grand rally in Uyo Township stadium with their teeming supporters.

Ibekwe who hails from Essien Udim LGA with Senator Godswill Akpabio said: “Today, I celebrate my political freedom. I thank Governor Udom Emmanuel for what he has done for Age Annang by rehabilitating the only road to our community that was abandoned for so many years.”

Governor Emmanuel commended Akwa Ibom people for voting the PDP on February 23, and urged them to come out to vote for the PDP on March 9,  despite intimidation from desperate politicians.

He said: “Let me appreciate all of you. All other political parties came here and collapsed their structure and declared for the PDP, I want to assure them in the PDP there are many mansions, the umbrella is big enough to accommodate everybody.”

“The PDP is big enough to cover them, PDP is the only party that can bring unity, development, bring infrastructure and preach righteousness. Today, I am here to tell Akwa Ibom people that I appreciate for your love and support,  I salute you for standing firm, and for being resilient in letting the world know the difference between light and darkness, and the difference God and man.”

The governor however, cautioned security agencies against intimidation of the electorate but to continue to join hands with his government to maintain peace and security in the state.

The Director General, Divine Mandate Organisation, Air Commodore Idongesit Nkanga (retd) called on Senator  Akpabio to accept his defeat and congratulate Chris Ekpenyong,  who defeated him at the elections, adding that it was  the most honourable thing to do.

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He cautioned the APC National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, to be guarded in his statements on the state, stating that Akwa Ibom people is PDP.