TSUNAMI AS 50,000 YPP YOUTHS EMPTY INTO AKWA IBOM PDP

… Defectors Pledge Loyalty to Gov Umo Eno, PDP

An earth-shaking tsunami has hit the opposition YPP in Akwa Ibom state with a mass movement of the entire youth structure of the party into the leading Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.

Formally declaring their return to the PDP, Tuesday March 12 in Uyo, the leadership and structure of YPP Youth Caucus in Akwa Ibom State expressed their decision to return to the PDP, noting that the party remains the number one choice of Akwa Ibomites since the return of democratic rule, with the leader of the party, Governor Umo Eno, putting the interest of the State and the people above other considerations.

According to National/State Chairman of YPP Youth Caucus, Prince Kini Ikpeme, who led tens of thousands of defectors into PDP, “while we were in a sinking ship, we still had the determination to stand firm to the last. Our promise is that we will double that effort and determination to stand with you throughout your tenure… we promise to abide by the rules and regulations of PDP; we will be loyal to our party, the PDP…”

Receiving the defectors back to the PDP fold, the State Chairman of the party, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Aniekan Akpan commended the former YPP Youth Caucus for emptying their structure back to the PDP, adding that this is a demonstration of their love for the Akwa Ibom State.

“Your decision to come back to your political home, the PDP shows that all of you have recognized the need for Akwa Ibom State to continue on the path of sustained progress and development.”

“You have come back to PDP at the very right time. Elections have finished and now is the time for governance. I know that you have come to join in supporting our dear Governor, Pastor Umo Eno to deliver good governance to Akwa Ibom people”, the Chairman said.

On his part, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon Frank Archibong, lauded the courage of the defectors to identify with good progress by returning to the PDP and to support the ARISE Agenda of Gov Umo Eno, stating that as a father of the state, the Governor is always ready to work with everyone in delivering on the promise.

“You have done the right thing by coming back to the party that has produced successive and successful administrations in Akwa Ibom State since the return of democracy in 1999. This is the same party that has produced the government of Pastor Umo Eno, a man who has shown exceptional leadership so far. You are on the right track”, he said.

Also speaking, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth Matters, Hon Ini Akpan, welcomed the defectors and assured them of due inclusion and synergy in the course of Governor Eno’s ARISE Agenda which he said is a youth friendly leader.

The Massive defection of the former YPP Youth Caucus members is one of the recent defections of opposition party members to the ruling PDP in Akwa Ibom State.

© PDP-AKS PUBLICITY SECRETARIAT