PDP, Emmanuel and the headache over March guber poll

Of all the states controlled by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Akwa Ibom is arguably the most intriguing in terms of extant political configuration going into the elections. Like most of the South-South states, Akwa Ibom had been a safe and impregnable territory for the former ruling party with Obong Victor Attah and Godswill Akpabio making sure of that during their combined 16 years at the helms. But the current Governor, Udom Emmanuel, is having a different sort of experience, not so much in terms of performance but the (mis)fortune of having his predecessor anf former political godfather align with the forces arrayed against him heading into a crucial election.

The state has generally seen a rise in infrastructure and human capital development under its succeeding governors perhaps, not very surprising because of the amount of resources available when compared to many others for instance. It had been able to undertake massive projects in virtually every sector including roads, industry, ports, job creation, agriculture, sports, health, poverty alleviation, and others, and while others went through hard times trying to meet up with their salaries obligation, Akwa Ibom had little qualms remaining up to date. However, new political complications have unsettled the serenity that was once the lot of the PDP administrations in the state – the exit of Akpabio from the party and his no-holds barred mobilization against the PDP and its governorship candidate, the incumbent governor, Emmanuel.

Akpabio likes to argue that he defected from the PDP to the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) because he is yearning for “transformation.” But observers say that he made the move because of his need for a cover for his corruption case at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Those with this point of view propound that APC has become a safe haven for allegedly corrupt former PDP members, and the recent assertion made by the National Chairman of the ruling party, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, seems to lend credence to this position. In Benin City last Wednesday, the party boss told a presidential rally that whatever crime anyone may have committed, once he joins the APC, his sins are forgiven. Despite Akpabio’s declaration, his critics believe that this is the philosophy behind his presence in the APC.

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Observers also point out that Akpabio has found himself in an awkward situation trying to align his thoughts with that of the APC which likes to hammer his former party for allegedly destroying the country in its 16 years at the helms of affairs.  This is so because, according to political observers, his era as Akwa Ibom state chief executive under the same PDP, brought “uncommon” development to the state. Thus, he has a personal dilemma as far as agreeing that the PDP’s 16 years was wasteful.

The current governor, Emmanuel, has also been praised for improving on what he inherited from the Akpabio era. However, despite the accolades he is getting from various quarters, he says the APC in the state, now led by his erstwhile godfather, is keen on undermining his efforts. That is where the complications come in for the PDP.   Akpabio has a large followership that seems to have joined him in his new party. Therefore, if that is to be believed, it may significantly impact on the outcome of the gubernatorial election as some people fear that he is capable of drawing away votes from the PDP.

Governor Emmanuel and the PDP though are as confident as they can be, counting on what they see as the solid performance of the governor in the last three and half years, upon which the governor is building his re-election campaign. He likes to dismiss Akpabio’s perceived threat relying on what he terms his moral, ethical and professional foundations.  “I practice the Scriptural values of faith and truth. At a time of an observed paucity of sound moral values, the cannons of my leadership continue to be honesty, truth and justice with service to humanity. These are the values that shape and distil my thought. Indeed, my professional training and practice in the banking and finance sector provide the developmental foundation that has sharpened my skills in driving economic development,” he says in his 2019 Manifesto tagged:   “Surpassing superior performance.”

As for his first tenure, he boasts: “Since 29th May 2015, Akwa lbom State has witnessed robust consolidated and human focused development. This was exactly the promise I made to the entire people of Akwa lbom State who massively entrusted me with their divine mandate. Today, I can boldly beat my chest to say that I have kept that promise to which millions of Akwa Ibom people are witnesses.” “In my 2015 manifesto, I had outlined five broad thematic areas which highlighted major development goals of my administration. The thematic areas formed my 5-point agenda with which we have together catapulted our great State into the premier league of States in Nigeria. Today, looking back at the five-point agenda, I am thankful that He who promised is faithful. The agenda has not only been actualized, it has also helped to create a quality of life proposition which exceeds expectation considering the topsy-turvy economic climate, thereby making our great State an attractive destination for investors.”

Emmanuel speaks of “the sound financial management, purpose-driven leadership and direction” which he has brought to Akwa lbom State and will like to consolidate in his next four-year term. The Governor says that with the milestones so far recorded, he wants an opportunity to finish what he started in 2015. Hear him: “I will give greater attention to industrialization, small-medium-scale-enterprises, aviation development, maritime, security, rural and riverine area development, infrastructure, agriculture and human capacity development. With this, I will not only successfully reduce dependence on statutory allocation as the main source of revenue to the State, but will equally improve IGR, enhance the already existing enabling environment to encourage more private investments and further create more employment opportunities. My dream is to improve the living standard of our people, provide basic infrastructure, tighten security, develop human capital and continue to boost services in education and healthcare.”

Despite his confidence in winning re-election, the PDP is sweating on how to prevent Akwa Ibom from falling to the APC which seems determined to capture one of the wealthiest states in the South-South ostensibly to gain a foothold in the region. The former ruling party is thus working hard not to lower its guards by constantly reminding the people of the good job it has gone in the last three and half years and the sterling plans going forward. But observers are of the opinion that if the recent gubernatorial elections conducted in parts of the country are anything to go by, the PDP should also be wary of forces that will come into play other than the exercise of franchise by the people.