By Bayo Etema, Uyo
A business mogul, Akanimo Udofia has emerged winner of the governorship primary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akwa Ibom State.
Udofia, who had few weeks ago joined APC from PDP, the platform he had earlier indicated interest to run for the governorship position in 2023, was declared the party’s governorship candidate in the early hours of Friday, after defeating seven other aspirants.
He polled 1227 votes to beat his closest contender, Senator Ita Enang who scored 34 votes.
Professor Chris Ekong followed with 21 votes, Uduak Udoh 7 votes, Senator John James Akpanudoedehe 2 votes, Richard Anana 2 votes, Larry Esin 1 vote and Augustine Utuk 0. There were 19 voided votes.
Speaking shortly after he was declared winner, Udofia dedicated his victory to Akwa Ibom people, promising to bring prosperity to the State if he wins as Governor in 2023.
He said: “As someone who has been blessed by God, my interest in the leadership of our state is clearly a function of my desire to give back to society through selfless and effective service.
“My emergence as the APC gubernatorial flagbearer today is a victory for every Akwa Ibom citizen, who desires development for our dear state and the prosperity of its people. As we progress into the forthcoming gubernatorial elections, I urge you to keep up the good work as we prepare to coast to victory.
“I hope to deploy my local experience, vast network and global connections, to make this collective dream for a better Akwa Ibom, a reality.”
Expectedly, the APC governorship primary was not without intense struggle and intrigues between the factions of Senator Godswill Akpabio and Senator John James Akpanudoedehe.
The two factions were said to have battled for the possession of materials for the primary at the Victor Attah International Airport and at along Oron road by Udo Udoma avenue before the primary commenced in the late hours of Thursday.
While the Akpanudoedehe’s group wanted to take the materials to Sheer Grace Arena, venue of it’s prImary, Akpabio’s faction truggled to take the materials to the party office at Ekpo Obot street, Uyo.
