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The political confusion surrounding the Essien Udim Local Government election in Akwa Ibom State, where Senate President Godswill Akpabio hails from, has been resolved following the reversal of conflicting election results by the Akwa Ibom State Independent Electoral Commission (AKISIEC).
This move has further cemented what many have described as a strong alliance between Governor Umo Eno and the Senate President. Some observers have labeled the relationship a “trade by barter.”
The relationship between Governor Eno and Akpabio came as a surprise to many, given the tense history between Akpabio and Eno’s predecessor, Udom Emmanuel.
The local government election in Essien Udim, held on October 5, 2024, was seen as a critical test of this alliance.
However, the reversal of the election results, announced at the AKISIEC headquarters in Uyo, appears to have prevented any potential fallout.
The political atmosphere in Essien Udim had been fraught with tension, particularly within the ranks of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
A meeting held on October 9, 2024, between Governor Eno and stakeholders from the local government, including the affected candidates, helped to ease the brewing discontent.
During the meeting, Governor Eno reportedly placated the PDP candidates whose victories were overturned in favor of the All Progressives Congress (APC). This move, seen by some as a personal deal with Akpabio, helped de-escalate the situation and restore calm in the area.
According to reports, the governor compensated the aggrieved PDP candidates, including Enobong Patrick Friday, the PDP’s Chairmanship candidate, and Mrs. Sussana Nyoyoko, the Vice Chairmanship candidate. They were both offered political appointments as Special Assistants to the governor on Grassroots Mobilization. Eleven other individuals, including defectors from opposition parties, were also appointed as Personal Assistants, in various capacities, to the governor.
A statement dated October 9, 2024, and signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, confirmed the appointments, which took effect from October 1.
The appointments also extended to two children of Chief Michael Afangideh, a highly respected political figure in Essien Udim. The 106-year-old elder statesman had reportedly been dissatisfied with how the election unfolded in his local government.
The meeting between Governor Eno and the PDP stakeholders was seen as crucial in preventing further unrest. The governor was said to have addressed the concerns of Chief Afangideh, who had previously been denied an audience with the governor after expressing displeasure over the lack of communication regarding the election results.
Despite the resolution of the Essien Udim election dispute, the governor’s alliance with Senator Akpabio has sparked mixed reactions. While some applaud the alliance as a means of maintaining peace in the state, others remain skeptical of the governor’s motivations. Critics argue that the concessions made to Akpabio may come with political risks, particularly in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections.
A PDP stakeholder, speaking on condition of anonymity to Vanguard, said, “The relationship between the governor and Akpabio is too close for comfort. There is growing concern that Governor Eno may eventually defect to the APC, given the concessions he has made.”
However, some loyalists have defended the governor, emphasizing that the relationship with Akpabio is purely for governance and not a prelude to a political shift.
Former Attorney General Uwemedimo Nwoko (SAN) praised Governor Eno for upholding his promise to deliver free and fair local government elections across the state, despite the controversial outcome in Essien Udim.
“We must focus on the facts,” Nwoko said. “Governor Eno has shown that he is committed to ensuring credible elections, and his alliance with Akpabio does not mean he is abandoning the PDP.”
Governor Eno, in a previous media interaction, had reassured the public of his loyalty to the PDP, urging citizens not to misinterpret his close relationship with Akpabio.
He explained that the alliance with the Senate President was intended to foster peace and stability in Akwa Ibom.
“The peace we are enjoying is a direct result of this collaboration,” Eno had stated. “I will continue to respect Senator Akpabio while remaining loyal to the PDP. Our relationship is about governance, not politics.”
