By Etim Ufford

Former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, has dramatically withdrawn from the highly anticipated 2027 Senate race for the Eket Senatorial District.

This decision, which has showcased him as a lilyhearted man across the political landscape, was allegedly made during a clandestine meeting held at his Lagos Residence just days ago.

According to insider sources, the meeting was attended by notable political figures, including Hon. Iniobong Robson (Etebe), where Udom Emmanuel threw his weight behind his Manfriday, Hon. Frank Archibong, Governor Umo Eno’s Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, to fly the PDP’s senatorial flag.

THE FEAR FACTOR

Sources close to the former Governor suggest that his decision was driven by fear and mounting concerns over potential political retaliation.

The current Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, who is rumoured to harbour a grudge against Mr. Udom Emmanuel for past political maneuverings, is reportedly gearing up to exploit the election period to “settle scores and take his pound of flesh.”

This looming threat is said to have been the yardstick for Mr. Udom Emmanuel’s shameful retreat from the race.

THE FRANK ARCHIBONG STRATEGY

Frank Archibong’s endorsement is Mr. Udom Emmanuel’s best bate as a masterstroke by his Akwa Ibom State PDP structure.

According to Mr. Udom Emmanuel, Frank Archibong’s dual paternity to both the Oron and Eket is expected to resonate with voters and provide a significant advantage over any candidate the APC might field.

SECRETIVE MOVES RAISE EYEBROWS

The secrecy surrounding the Lagos meeting and the helplessness of Governor Umo Eno have raised questions about the transparency of Mr Udom Emmanuel’s decision-making process and his control and disregard for the sitting Governor.

Critics have accused Mr. Udom Emmanuel of fanning the ember of discord and disunity in the state in the guise of his personal and selfish agenda.

WHAT IS NEXT?

This unexpected twist has thrown the 2027 Senate race wide open, with political analysts and party loyalists expressing deep anger and hatred for the former Governor.

Will Mr. Udom Emmanuel’s withdrawal and Archibong’s endorsement galvanize the PDP base, or will it further fracture party unity? And how will the APC capitalize on this development?