Gov. Akpabio Dumps Bishop Sam Akpan

There are indications that governor Godswill Akpabio has refused his nod to the senatorial aspiration of his former Special Adviser on Political and Legislative Affairs, and Deputy PDP State Chairman, Bishop Samuel Akpan in a bid to regain the backing of some political gladiators in Eket Senatorial District.
Governor Akpabio is working round the clock to secure the confidence of some political Elders allegedly severed from his government in Eket Senatorial District in particular and Ibibio in general in a bid to have a smooth ride to government house in 2011.
In Eket Senatorial District whose mandate Bishop Akpan is seeking in 2011, Governor Akpabio is particular scheming to regain and maintain the support of the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs and former SGF, Obong Ufot Ekaette. Obong Ufot Ekaette is viewed by not a few as lacking grassroot support in his Onna Local Government and the state, but strongly connected to the leadership of the PDP at the national level to influence whatever decision to his favor. Obong Ekaette who has served in many capacities within and outside the state could best be described as a quiet strategist and a necessary member of any political camp yearning for success. Obong Ekaette's connection and loyalty worked for him in 2007 when he thwarted the efforts of the like of Rt. Hon. Nelson Effiong,, a former speaker of AKHA who opposed the nomination of his wife, Lady Eme Ufot as senator for the district.
Political watchers say Obong Ekaette, like a colossus, is out again to ensure the re-election of his wife for a second term, oiling the machineries of the PDP at Abuja and Otta farm to work for him.
A source at governor Akpabio's cabinet confided with the press that the governor was aware of the dangers any alliance with Bishop Sam to the detriment of Ekaettes may cost him as it may spark the Obasanjo forces at Abuja against him especially as the Otta farmer was fast regaining prominence in the Goodluck Jonathan Ag Presidency.
But while trying to show loyalty to Obong Ekaette, the tide is fast reversing against the governor as Bishop Akpan is regrouping his AKPF structure to offset the governor's plan. It was reliable gathered that the AKPF boss who, alongside other forces, brought the governor to lime light in 2007 may align with opposition to raise his political profile up the notch in 2011 or be compensated with a choice political office. Already, beneficiaries of the Bishop Sam's contentious consensus candidacy in the last council election in the state who still maintain their allegiance have started working against the governor. One of them who confirmed the frustration of Bishop Akpan in the Akpabio scheming told the Press that “it is a known fact that the governor is not supporting Bishop Akpan in his senatorial ambition. In our meeting with him he has told us whenever the occasion gave rise to it that he is not a party to the senatorial ambition of Bishop Akpan, so we have known that long before now”.
Speaking further, the source viewed the unfolding scenario as a suicide mission on the part of the governor who he said can hardly boast of a viable campaign structure and a grip of the PDP structure without Bishop Akpan in the lined. He said: “Governor Akpabio's fraternity on this issue is a suicide mission if you ask me. Take a closer look at the state structure of the party, analyze how the officers came in, you will see that Bishop Sam is indispensable in this regime. So whatever is the case, the AKPF which you know is strong and is still strong may not dance to that tune if the governor maintains his stance”.
Global Concord observes that the situation has generated tension in the Akpabio's camp sending diverse signals to the public with regards to his.