About 10,000 members of the Young Progressives Party (YPP) who were received into the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Eket Local Government Area have been assured of inclusivity.
This was handed down by the political leader of APC in the area, Apostle Abasiandikan Nkono, when he joined the chapter chairman, Pastor Ubong Okposin and other party faithful in welcoming the YPP fold at the chapter office of the APC on Sunday.
Apostle Nkono said the APC would provide equal opportunities and privileges for both old and new members, adding that the party doors were still open for others to join.
While calling on existing APC members to welcome the decampees with open arms, he enjoined the party to remain united and focused in the task of building a people-centric political party.
He particularly promised that as the leader of the party in Eket LGA, he would ensure that all benefits accrueable to party faithful are attracted and judiciously utilized.
“So long as you are an Eket citizen, I will protect your interest. I’ll fight and defend your cause so that whatever benefit is accrueable to the party, you’ll benefit from it.”
He added, “APC is one big family where there is no segregation, or discrimination. Our target is to change the fortunes of the state, so join hands with us in interpreting the vision of Mr President, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the federal government. I am assuring that the President is fixing the country, the results will manifest in not too long a time.”
Nkono, who is also the Commissioner representing Akwa Ibom State in the Governing Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), appealed to party faithful to take advantage of programmes like the NDDC scholarship scheme, Project HOPE, and others reeled out by the Commission.
Saluting Senate President Godswill Akpabio for being a worthy leader of the party in the State, Nkono stressed that he (Senate President) has set Akwa Ibom APC on a glorious path of building on its 2023 electoral successes in Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District and some federal constituencies.
The Eket APC Chapter Chairman, Hon. Pastor Ubong Okposin while welcoming the decampees, likened their decision to join APC to arriving at the Biblical promised land: “Welcome to the promised land. You only stopped by YPP on your way to your ultimate destination in APC.”
He added, “you are joining the ruling party in Nigeria with an assurance that you would not regret your action. Be committed to APC, be royal, don’t be a saboteur or mole. APC in Eket must succeed in Jesus name.”
Political Leader of YPP in Eket, Hon. Aniefiok Assam thanked the APC family for warm welcome accorded them.
He pledged, on behalf of his former party, to help nurture the APC to succeed and take over Eket and Akwa Ibom State.
“We are here to add value to APC to win elections in Eket and in the State,” he said.
YPP Chapter Chairman, Mr Solomon Willie; Chairman, Forum of YPP Ward Chairmen, Prince Odungide; Chapter woman leader, Mrs Mfon Aniedi all affirmed their loyalty to APC on behalf of members of their former party.
House of Representatives candidate of the YPP in the 2023 election, Hon. Joe Mbong; his House of Assembly counterpart, Barr Godfrey Emah, and Senatorial Treasurer, Hon. David Wilson, were part of the decampees.
The event also featured the presentation of an industrial grinding machine to Obonganwan Comfort Okposin, an APC woman leader, for her steadfastness to the party.
Making the presentation on behalf of the party, Apostle Abasiandikan Nkono congratulated her and encouraged her to continue serving the party.
He said the party will continue rewarding members who have demonstrated hardwork and loyalty.
The beneficiary appreciated the party for the gesture.
