By; PATRICK TITUS, Uyo
One of the top contenders in 2023 governorship race in Akwa Ibom State, Senator Bassey Albert Akpan has said that he joined the race because the people of the state want him to be their governor.
The aspiration further said he is stronger because the people, who are the electorate, have expressed their believe and confidence in him that if he becomes their governor, he will do better.
Senator Akpan a.k.a OBA, who is currently representing Akwa Ibom North East Senatorial District and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream), disclosed this on Monday while appearing on syndicated interview programme on five radio stations across the state.
His words, “The governorship is not about me, it’s not about OBA, it’s about the people of Akwa Ibom who believe that I can better serve them as their governor in 2023”.
On his chances to win, Senator Akpan assured his supporters that he’s still in the race and remains the candidate to beat as anxiety hangs on the disputed Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) primaries recently held in the state.
The Senator who declined to comment on the outcome of the primaries due to the legal knot surrounding the outcome of the exercise, however, debunked insinuations in certain quarters that he has left the PDP.
“I’m still in PDP, and I’ll be on the ballot and will the Akwa Ibom governorship come 2023.
He described himself as the governorship hopeful that has the solution to the development challenges facing the state.
“I am a solution provider. I have put in 30 years of my life in Akwa Ibom State, so, I am more or less a home boy. I have lived with my people and I know their plight, and I intend to develop homemade solutions. I have the solution to the problems of Akwa Ibom state. If Akwa Ibom entrust me with their destiny, I won’t take them for granted”, Akpan went on, “my governorship aspiration is about the people, it’s not about power. It’s not a do or die affair, it’s about love. I love my people and I want to serve them”.
On his relationship with state Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel he described It as still cordial despite the wrangling in the party.
“My relationship with the governor, Deacon Udom Emmanuel is still cordial, I still respect him as my Governor, he is human, he has his limitations. I believe Governor Udom has done well according to the grace of God upon his life, but, I believe I will do better”, Akpan assured.
He urged that for equity and justice sake, the governorship seat in 2023 be zoned to Itu/Ibiono Ibom federal constituency.
