Although the Akwa Ibom State Independent Electoral Commission (AKISIEC) declared the All Progressives Congress (APC) winner of Essien Udim Local Government Area in Saturday’s election, a video circulating online has shown otherwise.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who is a ranking member of the APC, hails from Essien Udim.
Nigerians have expressed concern over the manner in which LG elections are conducted as the ruling party in the state or any party supported by the sitting governor carries the day.
In the case of Akwa Ibom, the ruling party won in all LGAs save for that of Akpabio, according to the results declared by the State electoral commission.
Chairman of AKISIEC, Aniedi Ikoiwak, had declared Ntiedo Usoro of the APC as the elected candidate for Essien Udim LGA, while stating that the PDP reportedly won all other LGAs of the state.
But a video posted on social media showed Inyang Ating, a professor from the University of Uyo, who served as the Returning Officer (RO) for the election in Essien Udim, declaring PDP’s Enobong Patrick as winner.
“I hereby certify that I was the Returning Officer for the election held on the 5th of October 2024. The election was contested, and the candidates received the following votes: Hon. Ntiedo Usoro of the APC: 686 votes; Engr. Enobong Patrick Friday of the PDP: 55,612 votes.”
“Engr. Enobong Patrick Friday, having complied with the requirements of the law and having scored the majority of votes, is hereby declared elected. He also received more than 25% of the votes in all 13 wards of Essien Udim. I so declare, and I hereby sign as the Returning Officer,” he had said.
A crowd of supporters at the collation centre was heard shouting, “PDP!! Power!!!!!”
The use of flashlights by the electoral officials showed the video recording was done late in the day.
