PDP Stalwart & 2023 Governorship Hopeful, Engr. Ben Akak Defects To APC

By Obio Monday

The Chairman of Ben Akak Foundation and Chief Executive Officer of Bengies Group of Companies, Engr. Ben Akak, on Friday, June 4, 2021 dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Addressing a mammoth crowd of supporters who had thronged the venue to witness the official defection of the philanthropist, Engr. Akak said his defection become necessary following the defection of Governor Ben Ayade.

Engr. Akak who was received by some APC stalwarts in Odukpani and beyond including a former aide to President Muhammadu Buhari, Chief Okoi Obono-Obla, said:

"This is the day the LORD has made, we will rejoice and be glad indeed. Governor Ben Ayade has moved, who is left? When the leader moves, everyone moves."

Engr. Ben Akak displaying his APC membership card

“Ben Ayade is the only man God has used to lay the foundation of Cross River State – the pain he is bearing for us is why most of us have decided that it is not about a party but the person. Ayade has opened up the political space in the State, carrying the youths along. He has built 32 industries and as a businessman, I know what that means when the harvesting season comes. Cross River is going to become a new – I won’t say Dubai – but something greater than Dubai. With this crowd, I know the people of Odukpani are for Governor Ben Ayade. Cross River State will never be the same again with APC”

Speaking at the event, Chief Obla said:
“I was part of the formation of APC in Nigeria. I am happy that a young, well educated progressive person like Ben Akak is now in my party. We are lucky in Cross River State that we have a young person that can revolutionise Africa. I have no doubt that Ben Akak will take Cross River State forward. We will work with you in the APC to get the rolling dice moving”.

On his part, a former member of Cross River State House of Assembly, Hon. Bassey Akiba hailed the defection of Engr. Akak, assuring that it will add value to the APC.

“I’ve run an election in this state with and without a governor in my party and I know the difference. Governor Ayade came to the party with a huge value and one of those values is the person of Ben Akak. 

"His registration is different despite a lot of persons that have registered – he came to register in his ward and with his people. It is not easy to move from one party to another. Ben Akak is a young man that is full of energy and ideas. He is qualified to be the Governor of Cross River State”. Akiba said.