Some aspirants of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in Akwa Ibom State have disassociated themselves from the purported primary that resulted in the emergence of Mr Akan Udofia as the party’s governorship flagbearer early Friday.
The disgruntled APC governorship aspirants including Sen. Ita Enang, Austin Utuk and others in a statement issued to pressmen at the Correspondent Chapel, Uyo said they were displeased because of flagrant irregularities and disregard for security advice by the DSS director in the state, Mohammed Kaumi.
Mr Kaumi according to the press statement had advised the primary committee to suspend the exercise “since there was no security assurance at the party office”.
“While at the party Secretariat, it became apparent that the primary would be marred by incongruous irregularities. Most of the delegates felt threatened by the disorderly manner of nocturnal movements and faces at the party Secretariat. This was around 01:00 am, when reasonable men were resting in their homes.
“Meanwhile, delegates from Uyo, Uruan, Ibiono, and Mkpat Enin, among other LGAs were disenfranchised. The panel and those who masterminded the sham feared that votes from these LGAs could cause a rupture against their antics.” The press release stated in part.
The displeased aspirants claim that “no APC primary known to the law was conducted” as the farce process was executed around 01: 00 am “when reasonable men were resting in their homes.”
The aggrieved aspirants expressed lack of confidence in the person of the chairman and members of the primary election panel and therefore sought its annulment.
“We categorically state that if the illegally conducted election is not cancelled, we shall explore all relevant legal mercenaries to ensure that justice is done.”
Earlier on Friday morning, some APC party members woke up to the shocking news that the governorship primary was conducted.
“When did they hold the election? I left the secretariat about 9 pm. We were not briefed but only heard that the vehicle carrying materials and officials from Abuja was intercepted by touts loyal to Udoedehe.” Mrs Imelda Udoh said.
Some news correspondents also confirm leaving the party house along Ekpo Obot at about 8 pm without any information from party officials or the chairman, Stephen Ntukekpo.
Meanwhile, the aspirants further expressed concerns that those who declared Mr Akan Udofia did not clear him as there were lingering irregularities surrounding Mr Udofia’s presence at PDP primary as aspirant; his formal defection to APC, his date of registration and mandatory one-year preconditions.
Finally, the aspirants and some APC elders in Akwa Ibom state have called on the APC NWC to wade into the crisis to salvage the party from those who “perpetually work for the party’s failure in Akwa Ibom” only to benefit from the national appointments. They noted that these destructive elements do so to reap selfish interest at the detriment of grassroots loyalist of who bear rejection, denial and stark poverty after losing to the PDP.
