The Young Progressives Party, YPP in Akwa Ibom State on Friday collapsed its structure into the All Progressives Congress, APC.
Receiving the governorship candidate of YPP in the 2023 elections, Senator Bassey Akpan and his supporters in Ukana Essien Udim Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio described the exercise as ‘uncommon’ as it was done when election was not even in sight.
Akpabio also received the delegation of the leadership and stakeholders of the YPP led by the State Chairman, Pastor Nyeneime Andy and appreciated the YPP family in the state for recognising the efforts of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in repositioning and transforming the country for the better even when they were of the opposition.
“Thank you for recognising the steps taken by President Bola Tinubu to reposition Nigeria and transform it to the better.
“I thank God that what the President is doing to salvage Nigeria is recognised even by the opposition parties.
“Elections are over and we are in full governance. If the country can see good governance in what the President is doing and the Senate President, who has brought all the senators across party lines to work together as one; there is need to join us.
Speaking, Senator Bassey Akpan said that his decision to collapse his party structure to the APC has nothing to do with any intention to contest election in 2027.
“We have come to submit totally to your leadership, we have come to submit to the leadership of Mr President. Whenever you call us, we like the ‘boys scouts’ will always be prepared.
“We have come to support you to deliver Akwa Ibom to APC because we believe that the new APC in Akwa Ibom will be ten times stronger, with the merger of YPP.
“We came as YPP family to join the Senate President to promote unity in Akwa Ibom State and we assure you and the President that you have Akwa Ibom in your hands.
“I am the son that was sent out and I have come back with many sons. Your territory and coast is expanded more than can be imagined. I am optimistic that the APC will take over power in Akwa Ibom come 2027. I am not here to contest any election but to support you to deliver Akwa Ibom to APC,” Akpan said.
Akparawa Ephraim Inyang-eyen, who was the Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District candidate for the YPP described the senate president as the authentic leader of Akwa Ibom State.
Inyang-Eyen said the action taken by the YPP family was a call of destiny that needed necessary adjustments for the growth of the state and development of the country at large.
He thanked President Tinubu for giving the South-South region of the country another chance at the senate presidency, after Senator Joseph Wayas, who led the senate between 1979-1983.
