Gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the February 28 governorship election in Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Udom Gabriel Emmanuel, has been adopted by the state work force as their sole candidate.

The adoption followed a popular demand by the workers yesterday at the 5th Labour Summit jointly organised by the state labour umbrellas – The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Akwa Ibom State councils.

A motion for the resolution to adopt Udom was moved by a prominent labour leader at the Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Ikot Osurua, Ikot Ekpene, Comrade Iboro Ibara, and was overwhelmingly supported by the cheerful workers at the venue, through lift of hands.

In his reaction, Udom, who was visibly elated by “the surprise adoption”, promised to “transform the fortunes of workers in Akwa Ibom now and for future sustenance”, from May 29, if voted into power as the next governor of the state.

He announced the donation of an 18-seater bus “to be delivered instantly” to the wives of the labour leaders in the state who were all present at the well-attended Summit.

The theme of the 5th Akwa Ibom State Labour Summit was “Labour Movement and Government in Transition: Imperative for Paradigm Shift”.

News Express reports that Udom was the only guber candidate who honoured and personally attended the Summit. Other governorship candidates in the state were said to have also been invited for an interactive session with the state labour force but chose to stay away for undisclosed reasons.

•Photo shows Udom Emmanuel.