The political turmoil surrounding the Essien Udim local government elections in Akwa Ibom State, the home state of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, has been resolved following the reversal of contradictory election results by the Akwa Ibom State Independent Electoral Commission (AKISIEC). did.
The move further strengthened what many described as a strong partnership between Governor Umo Eno and the Senate President. Some observers refer to this relationship as “barter.”
Akpabio’s relationship with Governor Eno came as a surprise to many, given the tense history between Akpabio and Eno’s predecessor, Udom Emmanuel.
The Essien-Udim municipal elections held on October 5, 2024, were seen as an important test for this alliance.
However, the potential fallout appears to have been averted by the reversal of election results announced at AKISIEC headquarters in Uyo.
The political atmosphere in Essien Udim was fraught with tension, especially within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
A meeting held on October 9, 2024 between Governor Eno and local government officials, including affected candidates, helped to allay the growing discontent.
During the meeting, Governor Eno reportedly appeased the PDP candidate whose victory was overturned in favor of the All Progressives Congress (APC). The move, seen by some as a personal deal with Akpabio, helped de-escalate the situation and restore calm to the area.
According to reports, the governor compensated the aggrieved PDP candidates, including the PDP chairmanship candidate, Mr Enobong Patrick Friday, and the vice chairmanship candidate, Mrs Susana Njoyoko. Both men were offered political appointments as special assistants to the governor on grassroots mobilization. Eleven other people, including defectors from opposition parties, were also appointed as personal aides to the governor in various capacities.
The appointment was confirmed in a statement dated October 9, 2024 signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwa, and took effect from October 1.
The appointment also extended to the two children of Chief Michael Afangide, a highly respected politician in Essien Udim. The 106-year-old elder statesman was reportedly dissatisfied with the way elections were unfolding in the local government.
The meeting between Governor Eno and PDP officials was seen as crucial in preventing further unrest. The governor was said to have expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of communication regarding the election results and referred to the concerns of Chief Afangide, who had been denied access to meet the governor.
Although the Essien Udim election controversy has been resolved, the collaboration between the governor and Senator Akpabio has provoked mixed reactions. While some praise the alliance as a means of maintaining peace in the state, others are skeptical of the governor’s motives. Critics argue that concessions to Akpabio could carry political risks, especially in the run-up to the 2027 general elections.
A PDP source told Vanguard on condition of anonymity, “The relationship between the governor and Akpabio is too close for comfort.Given the concessions Governor Eno has made so far, I wonder if he will eventually defect to the APC.” There are growing concerns.”
However, some of his supporters defended the governor, stressing that his relationship with Akpabio was purely for governance and not a harbinger of political change.
Former Attorney General Uwemedimo Nwoko (SAN) has commended Governor Eno for keeping his promise to conduct free and fair local government elections across the state despite the controversial outcome of Essien Udim.
“We have to focus on the facts,” Nwoko said. “Governor Eno has shown that he is committed to ensuring credible elections and partnering with Akpabio does not mean abandoning the PDP.”
In previous media interactions, Governor Eno had reassured the people of his loyalty to the PDP and urged them not to misunderstand his close relationship with Akpabio.
He explained that the alliance with the Senate President is aimed at promoting peace and stability in Akwa Ibom.
“The peace we enjoy is a direct result of this collaboration,” Eno said. “I will continue to respect Senator Akpabio and remain loyal to the PDP. Our relationship is about governance, not politics.”
