The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has on Friday, published the names and particulars of 18 candidates for 2023 Governorship and State Assembly Elections in Akwa Ibom State with the All Progressive Congress-APC having no gubernatorial candidate and deputy in its collum.
The list of the Governor and Deputy Governorship Candidates contesting the 2023 election in Akwa Ibom State published by INEC are as follows: AA: Ekanem Abasiekeme Mfon/Asuquo Eddy Edet, AAC: Otu Iboro Robert/Hitching Uduak Caroline, ACCORD: Coffie Emem Samuel/Archibong Love Charles Efiom, ADC: Nya-Etok Ezekiel/Namkere Blessing Etim, ADP: Essien Ekere Sunday/Effiong Godwin Okon,
APC: Nil,
APGA: Ekpo Ita Bassey/Udoh Anietie Augustus, APM: Ekong Eyo Eyo/Umoette Rapheal Edwin, and APP: Mbaba Ehpraim Okon/Essang Ebiange Nelly Edet.
Others are, BP: Ekpeyong Akaniyene Efiowe/Itoneeshiet Amaiso, LP: Okon Lincoln Charles/Edet Emem Edet, NNPP: Akpanudoedge John James/Afangideh Godwin Micheal, NRM: Etang Kubiat Bassey/Ekpe Mfon Effiong, PDP: Eno Umo Bassey/Eyakenyi Akon Etim, PRP: Ekanem Sunday Francis/Ene Emmanuel Effiom, SDP: Udoh Emem Monday/Ukut Benedict Asuquo, YPP: Andy Nyeneime Eno/Ebieme Affiong Edet and ZLP: Thomas Nsikak Hogan/Udoyo Essi Umo.
The absence of APC in the roll call is as a result of unabated infighting and battle for the soul of the party which has seen the APC enmeshed in a protracted crisis and superiority battle between a faction loyal to former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio and former Caretaker Secretary of the party, Senator John James Akpanudoedehe
According to INEC, the non publication of name and particulars of any APC governorship candidate is sequel to the inability of the party to conduct a valid Governorship Primary monitored by the Commission in line with the Electoral Act 2022.
Though Mr Akan Udofia from the Akpabio’s camp was alleged to have emerged as the factional Governorship candidate of the party, INEC insisted the midnight primary which purpotedly produced him was not monitored by the Commission as required by law, a flaw that invalidates his candidacy.
The protracted crisis led to Senator Udoedeghe who was one of the party’s leading governorship candidate defecting to the NNPP where he emerged as the party’s flagbearer.
