A/Ibom gov poll: PDP delegates reject Emmanuel candidate, endorse Luke

Crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom State has deepened as the party’s statutory delegates for the next governorship primary have rejected the candidate of Governor Udom Emmanuel.

The delegates and other party members numbering more than 250 publicly endorsed Mr Onofiok Luke, a former Speaker of the State House of Assembly, as the governorship candidate for the party.

The delegates comprise select ward and chapter officers, and former elected officers of the party.

Governor Emmanuel had announced the Commissioner for Lands and Water Resources, Pastor Umo Eno, as his successor.

The group said they would support Onofiok Luke, who is currently chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Judiciary, as governor for the 2023 elections.

Spokesman for the group, Mr Abraham Udoekong, said they resolved to support Luke for the governorship in 2023 irrespective of the antics of the state government to endorse one aspirant.

Speaking on Thursday in Uyo, Udoekong explained that Luke has the capacity, character, love for the people, ideas and passion to drive economic and social development of the State.

He stated that they gave themselves a mandate to scout for and mobilise committed delegates for Luke, as such, the public endorsement, which they say would benefit the general good of Akwa Ibom people.

“We are taking this bold step for the general good of our state. We started mobilising ourselves for the Onofiok Luke’s governorship project in 2020; today we have mobilised delegates to come here and endorse Onofiok Luke. We believe in him, we will vote for him,” he said.

Udoekong said they were not disturbed by recent political happenings in the state, noting that their resolution to support Onofiok Luke at the party primary was absolute.

Also speaking, the Director of Operations, Amazing Grace campaign organisation, Mr Victor Brownson, thanked the delegates for coming out to publicly endorse Luke.

Brownson reassured them that Luke would not betray the confidence reposed in him by the group and Akwa Ibom people.

“There was a time we were looking for delegates; now delegates have seen the truth; they are now coming for Onofiok Luke,” he said.