2023: ANIEKAN AKPAN ON SOULS WINNING MISSION FOR PDP

By Kendi JUMBO

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has in recent times reaped the exodus of hundreds of thousands of opposition parties' faithful into its fold. The massive movement of these lots, from notable opposition political parties including the All Progressives Congress, APC, the Young Progressive Party, YPP, the Nigerian National People's Party, NNPP, the Labour Party, LP, amongst others which came on the heels of a public defection and reception by the PDP, has further boosted the Party's chances of all-around victory at the 2023 polls.

Against the backdrop of the gale of these defections, leading to the strategic decimation of these smaller parties by the ruling PDP, one could readily attribute the development to the 'diplomatic management' of the party's affairs, cordial relationship with the people and inherent goodwill of the Chairman, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Aniekan Akpan.

There is no gain saying that the Elder Akpan's leadership has not only rekindled the people's confidence and public trust in the PDP but continued to deepen the tap-roots of the party at the grassroots, preparatory for electoral victory - even with the use of the BVAS. Recall that, Elder Akpan had promised during his oath of office ceremony, to run an all-inclusive leadership where every party member will be treated as a stakeholder and life-wire of the party, as well as a reward system that will serve as the envy of the opposition parties. And as promised, one year later, the PDP has not only proven its widely acclaimed status as a pseudo-religion in this part of the world but remained the leading light and fulcrum of all political parties in Akwa Ibom State.

To further underline the potency of the PDP in the State, just recently, December 2nd, the Party formally received hundreds of thousands of its former members into the PDP in an occasion tagged: "the reception rally for decampees to the PDP..." held at the cenotaph field, Udoudoma Avenue, Uyo. The occasion which was attended by the State Governor, HE Udom Emmanuel, the PDP gubernatorial candidate, Pastor Umo Eno, other PDP candidates, stakeholders and members of the PDP also had a mammoth crowd of the leaders/members of the hitherto opposition parties.

In his remarks, the State PDP Chairman, the Rt. Hon. Elder Aniekan Akpan, described the event as a 'unity rally', noting with an air of optimism that with the coming on board of its former members into the fold, PDP was expanding not only in number but in strength and electoral value.

"Today’s rally marks another milestone in our determined efforts to put in place a formidable team to ensure that the will of God is done in Akwa Ibom State come 2023 general elections. 

This grand reception is remarkable for thousands of former members of our dear party, who for one reason or the other went to test the waters and have now taken the wise decision to return home to PDP where they originally belong, so as to join hands to ensure victory for all our candidates in the forthcoming polls.

It is also the mother of all defections in recent political history as it will surely mop up the entire remaining structure of all the opposition parties in Akwa Ibom State; Be it APC, YPP, NNPP, Labour party and others."

The soft-spoken, humble former teacher, lawmaker and member of the State Executive, while giving the defectors a warm welcome into the umbrella fold, assured them of full integration and restoration of rights and privileges.

"Indeed, our prominent sons and daughters that are returning to the umbrella family have my full assurances of full integration into the PDP family in the State.

"I wish to, therefore assure them that they will not just come and queue, but they will also partake in the fruits of their labour even as we work together to deliver Pastor Umo Bassey Eno and Akon Eyakenyi as governor and deputy governor of Akwa Ibom State and all our candidates come 2023."

Commenting on the achievements of the party through the Governor Udom-led administration, the State party helmsman said there is enough evidence on ground to show that the party is matching words with actions.

"Apparently, thousands of our brothers and sisters returning to the PDP today are true patriots who have seen that what is on ground are not only true but verifiable accomplishment of consummate leadership of an outstanding governor whom we will continue to acknowledge and celebrate in Akwa Ibom State beyond 2023.

"Let me use this opportunity to re-emphasize our unshaken faith in God and in the succession plan of our 7-Star Governor, His Excellency, Mr. Udom Emmanuel which has paid off immensely in the superior and massive infrastructural renaissance and flagship projects witnessed in our State.

As a Party, I am glad to report that all eyes have seen, all ears have heard and every tongue is now confessing about the successes of the Completion Agenda of His Excellency, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State which are in line with our campaign promises."

In what seems like a confessional statement, one of the decampees, Bishop Samuel Akpan, admitted that he and his team had decided to join the State ruling party courtesy of the ceaseless pleas and interventions of the State Chairman, Elder Aniekan Akpan. 

"I am personally here because of the ceaseless calls and intervention of my brother, the State Chairman. He has been calling - even at odds hours - to give me reasons why I and my team should be back to our party. Thank God, here I am. 

Bishop Akpan, who spoke on behalf of the APC decampees from Eket Senatorial District, said they couldn't condone anymore the untold hardship, impunity and marginalization the APC has caused Nigerians including members of the party.

Describing the PDP as an organized party with a human face, the defunct AKPF boss noted "our defection to the ruling PDP is not just to return as mere members of the party but to join forces with the leader of the party, Gov Udom Emmanuel, the State Chairman, Elder Aniekan Akpan and other peace-loving people of the state to build Akwa Ibom of our dream through Pst Umo Eno come May 29th, 2023."

"What is happening here is not by accident, God knew that we will see light in PDP today. There is no APC in Akwa Ibom State again," Archbishop Akpan maintained. 

Speaking on behalf of Uyo Senatorial District,  Rt Hon Ekerete Ekpenyong (The man), former Chairman, Uyo and Hon Nse Ntuen, a former member of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, who spoke for Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District acknowledged the peace, orderliness and progress in the state ruling party, adding that there were back to add more strength to the party.

"Thank you, Your Excellency and our party Chairman for the honor done us, for the love, acceptance, and for restoring our ranks. It's not only in wartime will you accept the men with their ranks, but in a time like this", Hon. Ekerettte said. 

"We are here to join forces to drive the lofty dreams and program of the state government. We are capable and ready to turn things around. Ikot Ekpene Senatorial belongs to everybody, not one man", Hon. Nse Ntuen said on his part.

The duo, however, described the Party's gubernatorial candidate, Pastor Umo Eno as trustworthy, dependable and firm in his aspirations and blueprints, declaring unflinching support for him and other candidates of the party.

Meanwhile, going by the recent events, it could be surmised that, the PDP in Akwa Ibom is not leaving anything to chance going to the forthcoming polls. Away from the conflict resolution mechanism which is entrenched in the party, the Chairman has also shown enough understanding of the party management dynamics and goodwill to not just members of the party but the public. Such gesture added to his characteristic diplomacy has proven over time, as the alibi for the reinvention and mobilization of the party's faithful cum electorates for eminent victory come 2023.

Kendi JUMBO, a Journalist and Editor-in-Chief of the Towncrier Newspapers, writes from Ikot Ideh village in Ukanafun.