Udom Ekpoudom, a retired deputy general of police (DIG), has endorsed Mr. Godswill Akpabio’s bid for the Senate as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Akwa Ibom North-West in the upcoming general elections.
On Monday at his Uyo home, Ekpoudom gave a press conference after a meeting behind closed doors with Akpabio.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Ekpoudom had previously contested Akpabio’s nomination.
The former top police official declared that he would work to ensure Akpabio’s victory as well as those of Sen. Bola Tinubu and Mr. Akan Udofia, the APC’s candidates for governor of Akwa Ibom.
“I remain a bona fide member of the APC, contrary to insinuations that I had decamped or was planning to decamp to the opposition party.
Ekpoudom noted that his relationship with Akpabio predated his entry into politics and whatever happened between him and the former governor of the state was a break in communication.
“Something happened that I didn’t understand but he has explained it to me today. We have sorted it out. I will not deviate from the principles of the party,” he said.
While commenting, Akpabio said he had resolved to meet Ekpoudom and settle all the differences as his elder brother.
“I am here today because immediately after the Supreme Court judgment that declared me the candidate, I made a decision that his house would be the first private residence I will visit and that is why I am here.
“He is not just an elder brother to me, but he happens to be a brother from the same kindred and someone in whom I am always pleased with.
Akpabio added that even before the Supreme Court judgment, they have been trying to make peace but both of them agreed that they allow the court to decide after which they would work together for the success of the party.
He said that Ekpoudom was a man that believed in transformation and development, adding that their relationship was not borne out of politics but of mutual respect that could not be divided by politics.
He said, “Today we are together supporting the same candidates, Tinubu as our president, myself as the Senator, Akan Udofia as governor and others.” (NAN)