The Akwa Ibom State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, on Saturday, October 16, 2021, conducted a parallel congress.
It could be recalled that the opposition party in the state has been enmeshed in a crisis as there are two major factions led by different leaders.
The group loyal to the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio, conducted its congress at the Kara Event Centre along Stadium road while the Senator Akpan John Udoedeghe-led group elected its officials at Sheer Grace Centre, Uyo, the state capital.
Speaking during one of the congresses held at Kara Event Centre, the Senior Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Ita Enang, explained that the different congresses are working for the interest of the party.
According to him, people must always disagree to agree amongst themselves adding that at the end of the day APC would be positioned to take over the Hilltop Mansion in 2023.
“I have seen other congresses going on, all are working for the APC. People must always disagree to agree but the most important thing is that we are all working for the party,” he said.
Akpabio, in his remarks, called on the party faithful to ignore the disagreement among the leaders of the party, assuring that such would be settled in a round table.
He promised to work towards ensuring unity among the different party leaders in the state in order to position the party to take over power in 2023
“I welcome the election committee led by Sheriff Banky to our dear state. Earlier, I went to sheer grace and I addressed them. I have stopped by to address you also. I want you to note today, do not look at the disagreement of the elders, because every war whether first world war or second world war was settled at the round table and many of you will not be there when the war will be settled.
“But one thing is sure, I brought the message of peace. Now you are wrestling power from a sitting government, don’t take it for granted, it’s not a tea party, no single group can do it alone, we must do it together, but one thing we can say is, never again shall we be in opposition in 2023 and we should be wise in electing who will lead us,” he said.
Meanwhile, the congresses by the different factions at different locations were peaceful and orderly.
