The political confusion in Akwa Ibom regarding the conflicting results announced by the State Independent Electoral Commission (AKISIEC) for the Chairmanship seat in Essien Udim Local Government Area has been resolved. This area is notable as the home of Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
According to Saturday Vanguard, the reversal of the election results has reinforced what many in Akwa Ibom view as a strong alliance between Senator Akpabio and Governor Umo Eno, with some calling it a “Trade by Barter.” The unexpected cordiality between Akpabio and Eno comes amid a history of tensions between Eno’s political godfather and Akpabio’s predecessor, Udom Emmanuel.
The situation was exacerbated by fears of potential rebellion within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ranks in Essien Udim, prompting a meeting on October 9, 2024, between Governor Eno and local PDP stakeholders, including candidates from the recent election held on October 5.
Governor Eno reportedly addressed the concerns of the aggrieved PDP candidates to quell tensions stemming from what some perceived as a personal agreement with Akpabio. Following the meeting at the Government House in Uyo, the political atmosphere has reportedly calmed.
Saturday Vanguard further learned that during the stakeholders meeting, aggrieved PDP Chairmanship candidate Enobong Patrick Friday was offered undisclosed government patronage as compensation for the reversal of the election results, which had favored the All Progressives Congress (APC).