2019 election: The political miscalculation of Udom Emmanuel

Akwa Ibom PDP delivered the state at the national election. Atiku claimed to have won in Akwa Ibom, but the victory has turned out to be hollow.

Because now the state government has another battle to fight - the battle for its very own survival. And this battle is turning out to be far, far tougher than the Udom Emmanuel led Government expected.

The tag-team of Nsima Ekere and Godswill Akpabio were able to deliver Akwa Ibom to Buhari, achieving 175,000 votes in spite of widespread rigging by the State Government. Most observers believe that the APC won in the state - but collusion between the INEC REC and the State Government resulted in a different result being announced after the election. In spite of that, the APC was able to pull down the 953,000 votes PDP got in Akwa Ibom back in 2015 to just 395,000 votes - a fatal blow to the presidential ambitions of Atiku.

The state government however severely miscalculated - they believed that Akwa Ibom could deliver more than a million votes to Atiku. They believed strongly, that PDP would win on the national level, thereby paving the way for an easy return to Government on the state level.

Their calculation was wrong. While APC got what they were looking for in the state, PDP threw an excessive amount of effort into the battle. They spent most of their money on the first election, believing they would need less on the second. They also brought in all the tricks of the game, all of which are now known to all parties contesting.

APC held back in the first election, letting the natural anger of the people against the slow-moving PDP, as well as the popularity of the candidates bring them votes. So while the PDP is spent and exhausted, the APC is just getting started - and this time with national force behind its back.

Already, sources inform that PDP stakeholders have started reaching out to the APC team, hoping for a soft-landing.

The political naivety of the fresh technocrat turned politician Udom Emmanuel, has shown itself to be no match for the politically experienced Akpabio and Ekere.

Considering the large amounts Udom spent, let us hope that the Banker turned Governor will not have a lot of explaining to do about what the source of this money is, as soon as his Governorship immunity expires.

Comments

Dr. Edwin Ekanem Abasiabiamkpo Emerges Family Head of Ikot Anung

•Dr EDWIN EKANEM ABASIABIAMKPO DIVINELY EMERGED It was a day of celebration and cultural splendour at Ikot Anung, Ituk Mbang in Uruan Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, as the community unanimously elected His Highness Dr. Edwin Ekanem Abasiabiamkpo as the new Family Head of the royal lineage of Nung EkanemAbasi Abiamkpo. The event, which attracted traditional leaders, youths, women, and dignitaries from within and outside the community, was marked by tributes, traditional dances, and displays reflecting over three centuries of enduring royal heritage. Speaking with journalists, the Secretary of Ituk Mbang Village Council, Chief Asuquo Edet Asuquo, described the emergence of Dr. Edwin Ekanem Abasiabiamkpo as divine and in line with tradition. “What God has ordained must surely come to pass,” he said. “Today, God has chosen His Highness Dr. Edwin Ekanem Abasiabiamkpo to lead the people of Ikot Anung. His Highness Dr. Edwin Ekanem Abasiabiamkpo divinely emerged.” He urg...

Ikono Council Boss Celebrates Elder Effiong Udofia at 70

By Ifiokabasi Abia As the saying goes, “When the righteous are on the throne, the people rejoice.”This timeless truth perfectly reflects the leadership style of Rt. Hon. Otobong Essien, Executive Chairman of **Ikono Local Government Council. The 70th birthday celebration and thanksgiving service of Elder Edet Effiong Udofia, a seasoned administrator and long-serving works supervisor, held special significance as it coincided with the one-year anniversary thanksgiving service** of the Ikono Local Government Council. The atmosphere came alive with jubilation and cheers upon the arrival of the council boss. The electrifying excitement in the air reflected the people’s love, admiration, and social acceptance of the Rt. Hon. Otobong Essien-led administration—one that has remained steadfast in its people-centered approach to governance. Rt. Hon. Essien has consistently demonstrated a passion for human development and welfare. His leadership style bridges the gap between government and ...

NDCCITMA SET TO HOLD ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE SCHEME, FRIDAY 17, OCTOBER - LIVENEWSGUNS

. . . Tackle economic challenges at grassroots "Teach us how to fish and we will never lack fish." This age-long adage captures the enduring philosophy of the Niger Delta people. The Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture (NDCCITMA) was established to tackle economic challenges at the grassroots and promote sustainable development across the region. Its mission is to create economic empowerment through entrepreneurship, skill acquisition, and local industrial growth. NDCCITMA seeks to collaborate and engage with major industries to establish vocational and technical training centres throughout the Niger Delta. These centres will focus on under-water welding, gas welding, agricultural innovation, and other vocational trades, reducing dependence on imports while harnessing the region’s abundant resources. This initiative aims to fight poverty, improve food security, and drive inclusive economic progress. The Niger Delta Development Commi...

LIVENEWSGUNS

Search This Blog