Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), on Tuesday declared the former deputy governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Christopher Ekpenyong of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) as the senator-elect for Ikot Ekpene senatorial district in the election held on February 23.

Announcing the results at INEC office in Uyo, the returning officer of the commission, Prof. Peter Ogban, said Ekpenyong 118,215 votes to beat his opponent and former minority leader and governor of the state, Obong Godswill Akpabio of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who got 83,158 votes in the contentious and acrimonious election.

Meanwhile, the publicity secretary of the PDP in the state, Mr. Ini Ememobong called on the inspector general of police, Mr. Mohammed Adamu to beef up security at INEC offices in the state.

He said with the former governor fighting for his political life, he particularly made appeal for security at Ikot Ekpene senatorial district and Uyo offices of the commission.

He said there was intelligence information about a plot to burn INEC offices in the state.

“The inspector general of police and the entire security apparatus of government must engender public confidence about their neutrality and must show that no one is above the law.

“All institutions of state must depart from partisan tendencies as it is a great threat to the sustainability and growth of our democracy.

“We are in receipt of impeccable intelligence indicating a plan to attack and burn INEC offices in Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District and the headquarters in Uyo.

“We are hereby appealing that the security operatives should provide adequate security for all the offices, officers and infrastructure of INEC to prevent agents from making their threat of destroying lives and property.

“We also appeal to INEC to remain firm, resolute and unbending in the discharge of their duties. Illegitimate requests must never be acceded to,” he said.

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