Akwa Ibomites angry at how PDP rigged Akpabio out of his seat

Akpabio remains one of the most popular politicians in Akwa Ibom. Under his tenure, massive infrastructure works were created - almost all roads were built under his stewardship, the airport was completed, towns were remodelled and expanded.

His re-election as a senator was a done deal - Akpabio himself knew it, and the people knew it. So it came as a great shock when he lost the election - and the shock quickly turned to rage among the people.

Speaking to most people within the 10 local government areas that make up his senatorial district, there is palpable anger at the anti-democratic antics of the state government that led to his loss. The people know that the result does not represent their will - and many are saying that the state government will pay for it at the polls this coming Saturday.

How did the state government rig Akpabio out of his seat? The first trick was the oldest in the book - they spent large amounts per polling unit, paying over N1million in each polling unit to buy peoples votes. In many units, they also moved the voting booths into party members compounds, and prevented members of the opposition party from entering the compounds.

Because the voting format was changed, PDP party members would wear tags of other parties and then misdirect people to vote on the wrong box, so they would get more votes. This worked very well for the rural, illiterate populace.

Most critically, the INEC REC invalidated a large number of valid votes, enough to change the outcome of the election.

This is why the results were taken to Uyo, the seat of the ruling PDP to be announced, and could not be announced in Akpabios senatorial district.

Democracy was subverted, and the senator currently representing the people of Ikot Ekpene senatorial district is not accepted or wanted by the people. What seemed like a good political chess move is going to backfire, judging by the mood on the street. People of the senatorial district are aware now that their mandate was stolen, and are ready to reclaim it at the Governorship election.