Nigeria: Video Evidence Contradicts A'ibom Electoral Body, Shows PDP Won Akpabio's LG

8 October 2024
Daily Trust (Abuja)
By Seun Adeuyi

Despite the Akwa Ibom State Independent Electoral Commission (AKISIEC) declaring the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of Essien Udim LGA in Saturday's election, a viral video circulating online has contradicted the announcement.

Essien Udim is the home LGA of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, a senior member of the APC.

Concerns have been raised by Nigerians over the conduct of local government elections, with many alleging that ruling parties or those backed by sitting governors often dominate the polls.

In the case of Akwa Ibom, the state's ruling party won all other LGAs, except Akpabio's Essien Udim, according to initial results declared by the electoral commission.

AKISIEC Chairman, Aniedi Ikoiwak had declared Ntiedo Usoro of the APC as the winner in Essien Udim, while confirming that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) won in the remaining LGAs.

However, a video posted on social media appeared to challenge the official result. In the footage, Professor Inyang Ating of the University of Uyo, who served as the returning officer for the Essien Udim election, is seen declaring the PDP candidate, Enobong Patrick, as the 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," Ating said in the video.

He continued, "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."

The video shows a crowd at the collation centre cheering and chanting "PDP! Power!" in response to the announcement.

The conflicting declarations have sparked public debate, adding to concerns about the credibility of local government elections in the state.

Meanwhile, the state governor, Umo Eno, on Monday swore in the newly-elected chairmen and vice chairmen for the 31 local government areas.

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