Who will be Akpabio’s running mate?
OLUKO-REDE YISHAU 13/08/2010 07:01:00
It appeared the issue was settled last October. Then, Akwa Ibom State Governor Godswill Akpabio declared that he would seek a second term with his deputy, Chief Patrick Ekpotu, as running mate. Before that declaration, speculations were rife that some powerful forces wanted Akpabio to drop Ekpotu and replace him with his erstwhile Adviser on Political and Legislative Affairs, Mr. Samuel Akpan, who later declared his intention to challenge Mrs. Eme Ufot-Ekaette for the ticket of the Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District.
But last year when the Ibibio endorsed Akpabio for a second term, he said he would run with Ekpotu, who is Ibibio.
Ibibio is the largest ethnic group. It controls no fewer than 18 of the 31 Local Government Areas of the state. Annang, Akpabio’s enclave controls eight Local Governments while Oron the third largest ethnic stock, has five local government under its control.
But what appeared to have been laid to rest has resurfaced again. Between then and now, the relationship between the duo is said to have become frosty and has made the governor consider dropping his deputy. A PDP chieftain in the state, Nsima Ekere, is mentioned as the replacement. Ekere was Akpabio’s original choice as running mate in 2007 before he was made to accept Ekpotu, who was chosen by former Governor Victor Attah.
But prominent indigenes of the state such as Chief Don Etiebet are said to be advising Akpabio against dropping Ekpotu.
It is not only Ekere who has been mentioned as possible replacements to Ekpotu. Those who have been mentioned include:Bishop Sam Akpan, Martyns Udoinyang, Aniefiok Smith and Mrs. Grace Anwana.
The camp of Senator James Akpanudoedghe is said to be happy over the purpoted move to drop Ekpotu. They see it as a sign that all is not well in the governor’s camp. Udoedeghe wants to be governor and has declared under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He is being backed by Attah, who nominated Ekpotu for Akpabio in 2007.
Ekpotu, an Ibibio of Ikot Abasi extraction was a product of consensus in the run up to the 2007 governorship election. While he served Attah as Commissioner for Information, Akpabio was Commissioner of Local Government Affairs.
Time will tell who among Ekpotu and others will run with Akpabio in 2011. For now, there is anxiety in the deputy governor’s camp.
OLUKO-REDE YISHAU 13/08/2010 07:01:00
It appeared the issue was settled last October. Then, Akwa Ibom State Governor Godswill Akpabio declared that he would seek a second term with his deputy, Chief Patrick Ekpotu, as running mate. Before that declaration, speculations were rife that some powerful forces wanted Akpabio to drop Ekpotu and replace him with his erstwhile Adviser on Political and Legislative Affairs, Mr. Samuel Akpan, who later declared his intention to challenge Mrs. Eme Ufot-Ekaette for the ticket of the Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District.
But last year when the Ibibio endorsed Akpabio for a second term, he said he would run with Ekpotu, who is Ibibio.
Ibibio is the largest ethnic group. It controls no fewer than 18 of the 31 Local Government Areas of the state. Annang, Akpabio’s enclave controls eight Local Governments while Oron the third largest ethnic stock, has five local government under its control.
But what appeared to have been laid to rest has resurfaced again. Between then and now, the relationship between the duo is said to have become frosty and has made the governor consider dropping his deputy. A PDP chieftain in the state, Nsima Ekere, is mentioned as the replacement. Ekere was Akpabio’s original choice as running mate in 2007 before he was made to accept Ekpotu, who was chosen by former Governor Victor Attah.
But prominent indigenes of the state such as Chief Don Etiebet are said to be advising Akpabio against dropping Ekpotu.
It is not only Ekere who has been mentioned as possible replacements to Ekpotu. Those who have been mentioned include:Bishop Sam Akpan, Martyns Udoinyang, Aniefiok Smith and Mrs. Grace Anwana.
The camp of Senator James Akpanudoedghe is said to be happy over the purpoted move to drop Ekpotu. They see it as a sign that all is not well in the governor’s camp. Udoedeghe wants to be governor and has declared under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He is being backed by Attah, who nominated Ekpotu for Akpabio in 2007.
Ekpotu, an Ibibio of Ikot Abasi extraction was a product of consensus in the run up to the 2007 governorship election. While he served Attah as Commissioner for Information, Akpabio was Commissioner of Local Government Affairs.
Time will tell who among Ekpotu and others will run with Akpabio in 2011. For now, there is anxiety in the deputy governor’s camp.
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