AKWA IBOM STATE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS: PDP NOMINATES 31 CHAIRMANSHIP, 368 COUNCILLORSHIP CANDIDATES

In preparation for the forthcoming October 2024 local government elections, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom State has successfully nominated 31 chairmanship and 368 councillorship candidates through a well-organized and peaceful primary process. This historic event was described by participants and observers as one of the most peaceful and credible nomination exercises in recent times, further solidifying PDP’s influence and commitment to grassroots democracy in the state.

Governor Umo Eno praised the peaceful conduct of the primaries and credited it to the prevailing stability and unity in Akwa Ibom State. He also encouraged the nominated candidates to uphold the principles of public service and contribute to the community-driven goals of his administration’s ARISE Agenda. This Agenda emphasizes Accountability, Resourcefulness, Innovation, Service, and Empowerment as pillars of governance aimed at improving lives and fostering development.

Key Highlights and Candidate Nominations by LGA

  1. Nsit Ubium:
  • Chairmanship Candidate: Mr. Alfred Charles
  • Governor Eno participated in the primary here and emphasized the importance of service-oriented leadership.
  1. Oron:
  • The Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, praised the peaceful conduct and highlighted the party’s adherence to good governance standards.
  1. Ukanafun:
  • Chairmanship Candidate: Hon. Uyo Ukpanah
  • State PDP Chairman, Elder Aniekan Akpan, expressed confidence in the party’s readiness for electoral success.
  1. Abak:
  • Chairmanship Candidate: Mrs. Ime Charles
  • Leaders in Abak predicted a landslide victory for PDP in the upcoming polls, acknowledging the smooth primary process.
  1. Uyo:
  • Chairmanship Candidate: Dr. Uwemedimo Udo (incumbent)
  • Dr. Udo secured all 42 delegate votes, with key officials expressing satisfaction with his selection and support for a second term.
  1. Itu:
  • Chairmanship Candidate: Mr. Ubong Wilson Ukut
  • The Deputy Speaker of the State Assembly, Rt. Hon. KufreAbasi Edidem, applauded the orderliness of the primary.
  1. Etim Ekpo:
  • Chairmanship Candidate: Gideon Uwa
  • Former PDP National Legal Adviser, Barr. Emmanuel Enoidem, lauded the peaceful conduct as a model for elections nationwide.
  1. Ikot Abasi:
  • Chairmanship Candidate: Ime Williamson Essien
  • Renowned businessman Engr. Uwem Stephen Okoko hailed the development record of PDP in Akwa Ibom.
  1. Ibiono Ibom:
  • Chairmanship Candidate: Comrade Asuakak Umoh
  • The Commissioner for Information, Comrade Ini Ememobong, praised the steadfast support from the local community for the PDP.
  1. Eket:
    • Chairmanship Candidate: Hon. Akan Tommey
    • The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mkpisong Frank Archibong, called for accountability from the candidates.
  2. Ini:
    • Chairmanship Candidate: Comrade Inibehe Umah
    • Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Offiong Offor, expressed optimism for continued support of the Umo Eno administration.
  3. Ikono:
    • Chairmanship Candidate: Engr. Otobong Essien
    • Hon. Itoro Columba encouraged continued support for PDP, emphasizing gender sensitivity and inclusive governance.
  4. Essien Udim:
    • Chairmanship Candidate: Engr. Enobong Patrick
    • Community stakeholders celebrated the peaceful nature of the primaries, which they considered unprecedented in the area.
  5. Udung Uko:
    • Chairmanship Candidate: Elder Godwin Okponung
    • Okponung committed to prioritizing peace and aligning local development with the state’s ARISE Agenda.
  6. Mbo:
    • Chairmanship Candidate: Mr. Sunday Okon Etim
    • Candidates expressed appreciation for the peaceful process and pledged to support the governor’s development agenda.

Other LGAs such as Nsit Atai, Uruan, Ikot Ekpene, Ibeno, Obot Akara, Nsit Ibom, Ibesikpo Asutan, Mkpat Enin, Onna, Okobo, Urue Offong/Oruko, and Oruk Anam also saw successful nominations, with respective candidates embracing PDP’s values and pledging dedication to grassroots development.

Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom

Party Leadership and Stakeholder Comments

The Akwa Ibom PDP Chairman, Elder Aniekan Akpan, commended the dedication of party members across all 31 LGAs, noting that the exercise was a testament to the party’s credibility. Other state officials, including Commissioner Ini Ememobong and several local leaders, lauded the PDP’s organizational strength and Gov. Eno’s influence in fostering unity within the party.

Leaders in attendance, such as Speaker of the State Assembly Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong and former National Assembly member Hon. Aniekan Umanah, also voiced their confidence in the PDP’s capacity to secure victory in the upcoming elections, crediting the smooth nomination process to PDP’s legacy as a trusted platform for credible leadership in Akwa Ibom State.

Outlook for the October Elections

The Akwa Ibom PDP’s peaceful primaries reflect the party’s commitment to democratic values and its readiness for the October 2024 local government elections. With the support of Gov. Umo Eno’s administration and the alignment of candidates with the ARISE Agenda, the PDP aims to secure a decisive victory across all LGAs, ensuring that each elected leader contributes effectively to the state’s development goals.

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