Governorship aspirant in A’Ibom State, Onofiok Luke, boycotts primaries

Akpan Umoh, Uyo

A frontline governorship aspirant under the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Mr Onofiok Luke, on Wednesday announced his withdrawal from primaries following a subsisting court order.

Luke said this in a statement entitled: “When realities stare us in the face”, issued and signed by him and made available to newsmen in Uyo on Wednesday.

“I entered the ongoing Governorship race of our dear state to change the narrative in the political system and governance by seeking more inclusion through our Building Together and Growing Together agenda. 

“We took our message to all the 31 Chapters of the Peoples Democratic Party in the state. That message was well accepted by members of our party and soundly resonated with Akwa Ibom citizens. 

“Our hope of victory was dependent on God using the delegates at the PDP primaries and ultimately Akwa Ibom people at the general election. This was our conviction and it is still our conviction today,” Luke said.

“However, unfolding realities within our party and the Nation have called for a reconsideration of my participation in the gubernatorial primaries of our party today. 

“This is for the simple fact that we will not be going into this election with our largest support base which is the statutory delegates. 

“We also do not have any of the ad hoc delegates as our supporters, who bought forms to be Ad hoc delegates were excluded from the process.

“This position we have stated in a formal protest to the national headquarters of our party and have also sought redress.

“This statement would have been issued much earlier than now, but we were waiting and hoping that the President would assent to the amended electoral bill 2022 which would have corrected the oversight.

“As of this morning, Mr President is yet to assent to it. Consequently, I will not be participating in today’s governorship primary election.

“I make this statement after due consultation with the leadership of the Amazing Grace Campaign team and representatives of my support base,” he said.