15th July, 2022
Senator Bassey Albert Akpan, representing Akwa Ibom North-East in the National Assembly, has resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
He announced on Friday in a letter addressed to his ward chairman in Ibiono Ibom Eastern Ward 1 of Ibiono Ibom local government area of the State.
The senator explained that he intends to contest for the Akwa-Ibom State governorship office on the platform of another unnamed political party.
The letter reads; “It is with the greatest sense of responsibility, purpose, and love for my people that I make bold this communication.
“I have been a loyal and committed member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for over 20 years and have through the platform of the party, served our people, state, and nation diligently without any blemish.
“I have by the grace of God contributed positively and impactfully to the growth and development of our dear country, state, and our people in general.
“I believe as a lawmaker and a distinctive one at that, must at all times advocate and pursue virtues and values that promote and sustain the effective adherence to the rule of law.
“As you are aware, my aspiration to serve our dear state in the office of the Executive Governor is not personal or selfish, but rather the collective ambition of our people, based on the principles of justice and equity, to achieve a better and prosperous Akwa Ibom State.
“In words of Jean Anouilh and I quote, ‘The only immorality is not to do what one has to do when one has to do it.’
“Therefore, after an extensive consultation with my God, family, friends, supporters, and well-meaning believers in a just and equitable Akwa Ibom State across the world, it’s obvious that these collective yearnings and aspirations cannot be actualised under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
“Consequently, guided by the sentiments, concerns and worries of our people so expressed on the need to take immediate steps for the actualisation of their aspirations. I am, therefore, compelled to resign my membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) forthwith.”