Mass defection looms in Akwa Ibom PDP

Frontline Governorship aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom State, Senator Bassey Albert will defect to Young People’s Party (YPP) if the judgement on the suit filed by Rt Hon. Friday Iwok and 30 others challenging the Ad-hoc delegates election of the PDP in the state and subsequent use of the list therefrom for the party’s Primary election in the state is struck out by the Federal High Court in Abuja.

At the final hearing of the case on June 14, 2022, Justice Obiora Egwatu fixed judgement on the suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/606/2022 for July 15, 2022.

Global Patriot News can exclusively confirm that plans for the mass defection are at an advanced stage with work ongoing at the former PHED Office along Edet Akpan Avenue in Uyo to serve as a befitting State Headquarters for the YPP.

Senator Albert had in a letter dated May 24, 2022 to the state chairman of the PDP announced his boycott of the Governorship primaries that produced Pastor Umo Eno as the party’s flagbearer. Senator Albert had cited amongst other things the court case between Rt. Hon. Friday Iwok and the PDP as reason for the boycott.

Another aspirant Rt Hon. Onofiok Luke also boycotted the primaries for the same reasons, but the PDP Governorship Primaries went ahead as planned with Former Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Pastor Umo Eno polling 993 votes to emerge winner at the Godswill Akpabio international stadium.

Senator Bassey Albert and his supporters are holding on till they see the conclusion of the suit which will decide the legality of the process that produced the PDP flagbearer.

The court, having granted sufficient time for Ahmed Rajji counsel to the plaintiffs to prove his case, and for Paul Usoro alongside Uwemedimo Nwoko, representing the 2nd, 3rd to 31st respondents respectively to defend the submissions, will give judgement on July 15.

Apostle Nyenime Andy, who is the YPP Governorship Candidate is expected to voluntarily stand down for Senator Albert and notify the electoral umpire INEC for them to effect the substitution.

Senator Albert is expected to leave the PDP with the Member Representing Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency, Hon. Emmanuel Ukpong-Udo , two AKHA Members and thousands of his other supporters.

The PDP in Akwa Ibom State witnessed a similar situation before the 2019 General elections when former Governor Senator Godswill Akpabio defected to the APC

Senator Bassey Albert wields significant support within and outside the PDP and played a significant role in helping the party retain control of the state in 2019.

When Senator Bassey Albert defects, the Akwa Ibom State PDP will have a truly effective third force rival in the YPP ahead of the General elections next year. APC Governorship Candidate, Mr. Akanimo Udofia was also a PDP member until his defection with few weeks to the Primaries.