By Kazeem Ibrahym, Uyo
One of the leading governorship aspirants in Akwa Ibom
State, Obong Umana Umana, has faulted the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP’s)
National Working Committee’s (NWC’s) decision to zone the governorship ticket
to Eket Senatorial District.
Speaking on phone yesterday with our reporter, Umana said
the NWC’s decision was inconsistent with President Goodluck Jonathan’s statement
that there would be no room in the party for the imposition of unpopular
candidates.
He expressed worry that the NWC singled out Akwa Ibom State
of all the states affected by the contentious zoning of the governorship seat.
According to him, his organisation, Ibom Development Network
(IDN), would ensure that the PDP does the needful.
Umana recalled that in the history of the state,
governorship elections had always been open to all aspirants.
The politician said if the decision of the PDP were allowed
to stand, it would mar the chances of the party in the 2015 election.
He warned the PDP against targeted zoning, adding that even
with the decision of the PDP NWC, the chances of other aspirants from Eket
Senatorial District might be foreclosed.
Umana said: “Majority of the members of Akwa Ibom PDP were
surprised at the decision of the PDP NWC. They wondered why Akwa Ibom State
should be singled out since it is not the only state where there are divisions
on zoning. The debate on zoning is not only affecting Akwa Ibom State; it is
affecting many other states.
“The decision of the PDP NWC is not consistent with what
happened in Ekiti State, where the party opened its door to the aspirants. This
resulted in the fielding of its popular candidate, Mr. Ayodele Fayose. That
decision led to a successful outcome of the election for the PDP. So, why is
Akwa Ibom case different?“As loyal members of the party, we will follow due process and make sure the party does the right thing by allowing the people to choose who they want as governor.”
Culled from The Nation newspaper
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