Senate President: A’Ibom PDP intensifies lobby against Akpabio

Facts have emerged that some leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Akwa Ibom State are intensifying lobby to frustrate the ambition of Senator Godswill Akpabio to become the next Senate president.

It is alleged that while Governor Udom Emmanuel is using his contact to reach out to his colleagues who won the Senate election and the PDP senators, the Deputy Governor-elect, Senator Akon Eyakenyi is reaching out to returning senators to lobby them not to file behind Senator Godswill Akpabio.

It can be recalled that Senator Godswill Akpabio won the PDP Senatorial candidate for Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District, Barr. Emmanuel Enoidem to emerge the Senator-elect for the second time.

PDP in the state is said to be afraid that, if Senator Godswill Akpabio emerge the Senate President, it may affect the chances of the party in 2027.

They also assume Akpabio’s presidency will whittle Pastor Umo Eno’s influence in the state and render him politically ineffective.

There is another school of thought within the PDP that Akpabio’s leadership in senate will lead to a divided PDP with the belief that some of his past appointees who are still in government will tilt their loyalty to Akpabio.

However, some PDP members are excited about Akpabio’s ambition with the belief that, Senator Akpabio as Senate president will checkmate Umo Eno leadership which they think will force him not to toe Udom Emmanuel’s way.

“Udom Emmanuel never treated Akwa Ibom people well even the party members. He exhibited deep impunity because nobody could challenge his leadership or serve as a threat to him.

“Akpabio’s influence at the national stage as Senate president will force Umo Eno to act well and certain payments from the Federal Government which Udom Emmanuel were usually hidden from us will now be revealed,” one of the PDP stalwarts said.

Meanwhile, Senator Akpabio is one of the strong contestants for the Senate president’s seat.

Few weeks ago, a coalition drummed support for the emergence of Senate president from the South South.