Udom Emmanuel of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has thrashed his closest rival, Umana Okon Umana of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to emerge as the new governor of Akwa Ibom State.

Results of yesterday’s governorship election from 26 out of the 31 local government areas of the state have been announced in Uyo, the state capital.

Results released and announced today by the Local Government Area Collation Officers in the presence of their Returning Officers show PDP leading with a wide margin.

The results released at the State INEC headquarters on Udo Udoma Avenue, Uyo, under the watchful eyes of the State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Barr. Austin Eni Okojie and other top officials of the Commission, as well as party representatives and some journalists, shows that the closest rival party, the APC, won in only one LGA, Orue-Offong Oruko.

News Express reports that the number of vote casts for the two main rival parties in each of the 26 local government areas so far announced are as follows: Nsit Atai – PDP 20,961, APC 2,292; Etim Ekpo – PDP 44,831, APC 180; Ika – PDP 31,257, APC 149; Nsit Ibom – PDP 7,314, APC 4,979; Ibiono Ibom – PDP 61,450, APC 1,140; Etinan – PDP 38,047, APC 3,684; Obot Akara – PDP 34,088, APC 392; Eastern Obolo – PDP 13,285, APC 294; Oron – PDP 23,276, APC 2,418; Udung Uko – PDP 10,918, APC 2,682.

Other results are: Ibesikpo Asutan – PDP 35,031, APC 2,942; Nsit Ubium – PDP 20,604, APC 4,570; Abak – PDP 38,326, APC 3,688; Uruan – PDP 29,245, APC 6,581; Esit Eket – PDP 25,594, APC 730; Mkpat Enin – PDP 30,842, APC 1,448; Ukanafun – PDP 44,712, APC 887; Essien Udim – PDP 87,824, APC 421; Ikot Ekpene-PDP 48,545, APC 1,629; Ibeno – PDP 1,6052, APC 1,176; Ikono – PDP 37,671, APC 5,873; Orue-Offong Oruko – PDP 2,777, APC 3,792; Ikot Abasi – PDP 19,249, APC 2,929; Eket – PDP 43,776, APC 2,962, and Itu – PDP 19,997, APC 489.

The collation of results of the remaining five local government areas of the state is in progress, for final and official declaration and return of the winner by the state REC.

•Photo shows Governor-elect Udom Emmanuel.

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