It is now a settled case for Akwa State political gladiators as Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) finally proved strength to All Progressives Congress (APC) in Saturday National Assembly and state House of Assembly rerun elections in the state.
Elated Senator-elect for Akwa Ibom North-West (Ikot Ekpene) Senatorial District, Dr Chris Ekpenyong, described his victory and that of other PDP candidates in the rerun elections in Essien Udim Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State as an ‘Act of God’.
It has been an issue of who was superior politically between the current Minister of Niger Delta Development, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and Dr. Chris Ekpeyong leading to court case at the of which the rerun was ordered.
Fielding questions from journalists shortly after he was declared winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Senator Ekpenyong thanked “God the giver of victory for seeing me through the entire political debacle since 2nd September 2018. My victory has put agents of darkness to shame.”
Senator Ekpenyong commended President Muhammadu Buhari for keeping to his promise of allowing a free and fair rerun election in Akwa Ibom State and urged the President to uphold these important values in order to strengthen and deepen democracy in Nigeria.
He said, “I also specifically thank the security agencies and Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC headed by Mr. Mike Igini and his team in Akwa Ibom State for remaining resolute and not allowing blackmails to deter them from discharging their responsibilities fairly to the people of Akwa Ibom State.
“I thank Governor Udom Emmanuel – Leader of PDP in Akwa Ibom State, the Chairman and entire leadership of PDP in the State, the Director-General and leadership of Divine Mandate Organization, the Leadership of Ubokutom Abasi 2019 Campaign Organization, Party Leaders, Elders, Women, Youths of Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District, my sponsors and supporters both at home and in the Diaspora for standing by me.”
Senator Ekpenyong, reiterated his commitment for effective representation at the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Also speaking with journalists at his home in Ikot Ekpene, Nsikak Ekong, who won the rerun election for Ikot Ekpene Federal Constituency, appreciated his supporters for reinforcing their belief in him and his party, PDP.
He then promised to continue in his promise of effective leadership for the constituency.
Ekong also commended President Buhari for keeping his promise of ensuring a level playing field for the rerun elections.
Announcing the Senatorial result at the INEC collation center in Ikot Ekpene, the returning officer Prof Robert Dode said that Ekpenyong polled 19,924 to defeat Senator Godswill Akpabio who managed to record 6,903 votes in Essien Udim.
In the House of Representative’s rerun, the returning officer Prof Idara Akpabio announced the victory of Nsikak Ekong of PDP with 20, 235 over APC’S Emman Akpan who scores a paltry 6,903 votes.
Earlier at Essien Udim local government collation center, Prof Victor Ebong the returning officer announced the victory of Mr Esse Gerald Umoh of PDP, who having polled 18,999 votes trounced Mr Nse Ntuen of APC who fingered 7,108 votes.
