…Duo Reject 50% Interest in Nomination of Chairmanship, Councillorship Candidates
…Ekpenyong Demands Full Control Of The Proceeds From Forms Sales
As OBA weighs Options
After the rescheduled state congress of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) last Thursday, the new party Chairman, Mr Udo Ekpenyong and the outgoing Chairman, Obong Paul Ekpo are said to be at loggerheads.
A credible source from the party told our paper that the squabble between the two party leaders is unconnected with the nomination for positions in the forthcoming local government election and the proceeds from the sales of forms.
It was gathered that Ekpo’s led exco is claiming to have channelled most of the funds from the sales of forms into the completion of the newly commissioned permanent Secretariat of the party at Attan Offot, while the new Chairman demands the return of such money to the party coffers.
Also, Paul Ekpo is said to have demanded for 50% slot in the nomination of Chairmanship and Councillorship candidates of the party, a situation Ekpenyong-led new exco declined.
According to a reliable source, Ekpo is of the opinion that having served the state for 8 years and won about 98% of all elections for the party, he should be compensated for his service and that could easily be done through the forthcoming local government election.
Our source explained that the 50% nomination slot is not only for Paul Ekpo, but will be shared to all the exco members that served with him.
But, Ekpenyong, a former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and a member of Governor Udom Emmanuel’s kitchen cabinet, is said to have demanded for full control of the party as the state chairman.
It was gathered that he told some party faithful recently that his loyalty remained for Governor Emmanuel only and the past leadership has done their best, it’s time for them to move on.
The Senator representing Uyo senatorial district, Obong Bassey Albert Akpan is said to have weighed options to decide his next action to realize his governorship ambition in 2023.
Efforts to speak with Mr Udo Ekpenyong, the new Chairman of the party and Obong Paul Ekpo, the outgoing Chairman were unsuccessful as they did not answer their calls.
©Kufre Edet