The News Nigeria
By Anietie Ekong
The declaration by Senator Godswill Akpabio of his intention to vie for the office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in the 2023 election had brought to an end speculations on whether he would throw his hat into the ring of the already crowded Presidential race or not. The declaration event which took place at the Ikot Ekpene Township Stadium, Akwa Ibom State on May 4, witnessed a turn out unprecedented in political rallies in the country. He followed that up with his resignation from the Federal Executive Council as the Honourable Minister of Niger Delta Affairs. A group of Northern youths had earlier purchased the nomination form for him which he has filled and returned.
On the day of the declaration, the Stadium was filled to capacity with the covered terraces and field area filled up with enthusiastic supporters who had come from far and wide to witness the making of history. The overflow of those who couldn’t gain access into the stadium was massive. One supporter quipped: “I’ve never seen anything like this before.” From Kano to Adamawa, from Ibadan to Jos, from Calabar to Akure support groups chartered flights into Uyo to witness the declaration. Nobody wanted to be left out as a witness to the making of history.
As he made his way into the stadium, the already charged atmosphere and supporters went hysterical. One concerned supporter thought aloud how Senator Akpabio would make it in such a crowded Presidential race. But Akpabio is not a stranger to political battles with strong reliance on the will of God. In 2006, little known Chief Godswill Akpabio whose only pedigree was having served as a Commissioner in Akwa Ibom State defeated about 57 others (among whom were political heavyweights in the country) to emerge the Governorship candidate of his party and went on to triumph in the governorship election. His campaign has always been anchored on the unselfish slogan: “Let God’s will be done.” He went on to serve for two terms as Governor and in another unprecedented manner in 2015 was made the Senate Minority Leader being only a first term…
