Etim, Ibokessien, other PDP stalwarts shun APC

News Express |12th Mar 2017 | 3,688

Akwa Ibom PDP Leader, Governor Udom Emmanuel

Attempts by the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akwa Ibom State to make a bold statement in Ikot Ekpene has hit the rocks, following the inability of the party to pull significant political heavyweights in the area into its fold.

It was gathered that despite several mouth watering offers allegedly masterminded by the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Mr. Nsima Ekere, former commissioners, Don Etim, Etido Inyang and former two-term lawmaker, Nsikak Ekong, and Senator Emmanuel Ibokessien have held sway as leaders of over 150,000 unrepentant Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) supporters in Ikot Ekpene area of the state.

Mr. Ekere, who is believed to have his eyes set on the 2019 elections, was said to have been disappointed when none of the bigwigs he approached gave him a listening ear, despite his juicy offers. Recently, Mr Ekere had allegedly used the same carrots approach to lure Barr Bassey Dan Abia Jr. to APC, after promising him appointment as his legal adviser in the NDDC.

It was learnt that the PDP chieftains despite not holding any political office, rejected the baits on the premise that APC has not fared well at the national level and should bother more about rescuing the national economy from recession and improving the quality of life of Nigerians.

A PDP member in Ikot Ekepne said: “We are all in active support of PDP, our governor Udom Emmanuel and Senator Akpabio.” He thanked Governor Emmanuel for re-commencing the Uyo – Ikot Ekpene dual carriageway as well as executing and commissioning an emergency Infectious Hospital in the area.

Comments

Post Comment

Soldiers deployed on Nigerian campus as lecturers attempt to disrupt exam

Three Boko Haram Commanders, Eight Others Neutralised In Borno

Kidnappers break into apartment, abduct corps member, student

UNN: SUG President, seven others suspended for cultism, threat to life

Visa fees remain non-refundable regardless of outcome, US Embassy tells Nigerians

7 injured as trucks collide in Ogbomosho

Unpaid Arrears: Pensioners threaten nationwide protest

HIV: Horrible food, N10,000 levy, TikToker shares ordeal in police custody

Tinubu: ‘I will be present’ — Sowore responds to DSS charges

Anambra 2925: Ozigbo boasts of beating Soludo if court gives him APC ticket even if 2 weeks to election

Court slams N1.7bn judgement sum against Anambra firm over unpaid debt

Police arrest seven over death of IBB University student

Ibas lists key lessons from Rivers’ six-month emergency rule

Kogi govt. warns to arrest, prosecute youths assisting bandits

NIPOST intercepts cannabis shipment hidden in duvet from Thailand

Olumide Apata denies leaving LP for APC

Five Nigerian players to watch in the 2025/26 Champions League

Growing suppression of press freedoms, criticisms by governors unconscionable, unconstitutional — HURIWA

Otuaro plans quality furniture, woodwork training for PAP beneficiaries

58,000 youths join data protection training in 53 days – Minister

Tuesday, September 16, 2025 9:30 PM

GOCOP Accredited Member

NEWS EXPRESS is Nigeria’s leading online newspaper. Published by Africa’s international award-winning journalist, Mr. Isaac Umunna, NEWS EXPRESS is Nigeria’s first truly professional online daily newspaper. It is published from Lagos, Nigeria’s economic and media hub, and has a provision for occasional special print editions. Thanks to our vast network of sources and dedicated team of professional journalists and contributors spread across Nigeria and overseas, NEWS EXPRESS has become synonymous with newsbreaks and exclusive stories from around the world.