By; PATRICK TITUS, Uyo
Archbishop Samuel Akpan, one of the major pillars of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akwa Ibom State among others, has defected to Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Archbishop Akpan, who was a former governorship aspirant of APC, was before his sojourn in the party, a former state deputy chairman of PDP.
He decamped to APC in 2019 along with Senator Godswill Akpabio – former Senate Minority Leader.
His defection back to PDP is not unconnected with the deepening crisis that has erupted APC in the state, leaving it in a fix of no future in 2023 general elections with its governorship candidates for Governorship, Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District and some State Constituencies screened out on INEC published lists in the state.
Meanwhile, the State Chairman PDP, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Akpan while officially receiving Archbishop Samuel Akpan back from the opposition APC on Friday, expressed excitement on his return with other leaders, saying that PDP in Akwa Ibom was growing stronger and would remain the umbrella of unity, development and growth.
He added that PDP has taken Akwa Ibom State forward through successive PDP led administration in the state.
“Our party the PDP is formidable and vibrant, which is why Akwa Ibom people always trust us with their mandate. It is a thing of joy to have our former party men and women rejoin us to continue the work of producing great leaders like governor Udom Emmanuel who has put our state in the map of development.”
“As we have always said, the umbrella is big enough to accommodate everyone and our doors are always open to welcome back our friends into the fold. We are particularly excited that the likes of Archbishop Samuel Akpan, Dr Edet Attih and others who were key leaders in the opposition party, have returned to their political home where through democracy is practiced.”
On his part, the former governorship aspirant, former International Coordinator of Akwa Ibom Peoples Forum (AKPF) and current chairman of Akwa Ibom Action Coalition (AAC), Archbishop Akpan while announcing his return to PDP, together with leaders of the opposition party across the state, appreciated the PDP for the great achievement recorded in the state and the open arms which have ushered them back to the party, pledging unwavering support and loyalty to PDP, governor Udom Emmanuel and the succession agenda towards victory in 2023.
The defecting members from the APC were assured by the state PDP chairman of absolute reintegration, due rights and privileges as their loyalty is solicited for the growth of the party and total victory at the polls in 2023.
