MASSIVE DEFECTION HITS PDP IN ESIT EKET WARD 9 AS PASTOR ESEME UDI LEADS HUNDREDS TO APC:
– It is not decamping. It is a movement – Daniel Assam, APC Chapter Chairman, Esit Eket.
Written by: Daniel Edon.
“We have been in PDP since the return of civil rule in Nigeria, but what have we gained?” Pastor Udi asked rhetorically. “The people of Ward 9 have been marginalized, deprived, and oppressed. We are tired of being neglected. The people were just waiting for someone to lead the way, and that time has come.”
When asked why he is optimistic that APC will treat his people fairer than PDP, Pastor Udi expressed hope that the APC would recognize the people of Ward 9 for political positions and other opportunities, given the party’s track record. “I have seen what the APC has done at the national level, I have the catalog of the activities of APC, and I believe there’s hope in the party. We are convinced that the APC will treat our people better than how PDP treated them.”
The APC leadership in Esit Eket Ward 9, led by Ward Chairman Mr. Samuel Akpama, warmly welcomed Pastor Udi and his co-defectors to the party. He expressed delight over the defection to his Party, he however advised them to be humble in order to benefit from whatever dividends that would accrue to the Party.
The Esit Eket Chapter Chairman, Mr. Daniel Assam, described the defection as a “movement” rather than decamping. “It’s not decamping, it’s a movement,” he said. “We welcome you with open arms. We thank the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, for organizing the party’s growth.” He said it is Akpabio who made him the Chapter Chairman of APC in Esit Eket.
He assured the new members of equal rights and urged them to respect the party’s constitution. “Anybody who comes with interest should drop it,” he advised. “Let’s work together to achieve our goals. Every thing anybody wants is through consultation with the leadership of the Party”
The Chapter Chairman also reminded the defectors and members that the Party is guided by constitution and that calls for total respect for its provisions and strict adherence
Dr. Usoro Akpanuso, the immediate past legislator who represented Esit Eket/Ibeno State Constituency at the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, said that Ward 9, is a very important part of politics Esit Eket. So for the entire Ward to empty into APC is a significant political development.
He attributed the defection to the Lord’s doing. “It’s a sign of the party’s growing strength,” he said. “The rate of defection to APC across the country is alarming. It can only be God who is behind this exodus. Imagine PDP that people said that it’s a religion, about to move enmas to APC. It is unbelievable.”
He praised Senate President Godswill Akpabio for his leadership. “The Senate President is the brain behind the growth of APC in Akwa Ibom State,” he said.
Also speaking, the Deputy Leader of APC in Esit Eket local Government Area, Prince Enobong Harry, himself a former State Youth Leader of People’s Democratic Party, PDP, welcomed Pastor Udi and his supporters to APC. “Ward 9 is lucky to have a philanthropist like Pastor Eseme Udi join us,” he said.
He drew the attention of the people to the new look the Ward office now wears; the office painting, the new signboard and the new flags, he said is the handiwork of Eseme Udi.
“Let’s work together to build a stronger, more prosperous community.” Harry advised.
This development is expected to strengthen the APC’s presence in the ward and potentially impact the local political landscape. With Pastor Udi’s leadership and the APC’s growing presence, the party is poised to make major gains in the area.
