Tensions are escalating in Akwa Ibom State following conflicting results announced by the State Independent Electoral Commission (AKISIEC) for the Essien Udim Local Government Area (LGA), the home constituency of Senate President Godswill Akpabio. On Saturday, Prof. Inyang Ating, the Returning Officer, declared Enobong Patrick Friday of the PDP the winner with 55,612 votes, defeating APC’s Ntiedo Usoro, who received 686 votes.
However, on Sunday, AKISIEC Chairman Elder Aniedi Ikoiwak declared Ntiedo Usoro of the APC the winner, sparking outrage among PDP leaders who accuse Governor Umo Eno of betraying his party. The conflicting declarations have raised concerns over political maneuvering in the state, with calls for Governor Eno to explain the situation, especially given his alleged closeness to Akpabio and the APC.