As of the last count, the prominent aspirants that have declared include; Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, ex-Lagos Governor Bola Tinubu, Ebonyi Governor, Dave Umahi

By Ishaya Ibrahim, News Editor

Former governor of Akwa Ibom State and Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godswill Akpabio, has joined the contest for the presidential ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Akpabio’s declaration is currently ongoing in his home town of Ikot Ekpene in Akwa Ibom State. He is expected to pay N100 million, like the other presidential aspirants of the APC.

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At least 15 members of the APC have so far declared for the ticket of the party despite the N100 million nomination form.

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As of the last count, the prominent aspirants that have declared include; Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, ex-Lagos Governor Bola Tinubu, Ebonyi Governor, Dave Umahi, Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello, Ekiti Governor Kayode Fayemi, Cross River Governor Ben Ayade, Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, Senators Rochas Okorocha, Orji Uzor Kalu, Ibikunle Amosun, Minister of State for Education, Emeka Nwajiuba and now Akpabio.

There are speculations that ex-President Goodluck Jonathan and Senate President Ahmed Lawan will also announce their bids for the APC presidential ticket before Friday, which is the closing date for the sale of the party’s nomination form.

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About Akpabio on his Wiki page.

Akpabio is a lawyer and politician. He is the current Minister of Niger Delta, a former Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Senate’s Minority Leader. He also served as Governor of Akwa Ibom State from May 29, 2007, to May 29, 2015.

Akpabio is the son of Chief Obot Akpabio and Madam Lucy Obot Akpabio (née Inyangetor) of Ukana, Ikot Ntuen in Essien Udim Local Government Area. He was born on 9 December 1962. He lost his father early in life and was raised by his mother.

Akpabio was educated at Methodist Primary School, Ukana, Essien Udim LGA, Akwa Ibom State; the Federal Government College, Port Harcourt, Rivers State; and the University of Calabar, Cross River State, where he obtained a Degree in Law.

While at the Federal Government College, Port Harcourt, he was appointed the Senior Prefect. In the University of Calabar, Akpabio was elected as the speaker of the parliamentary year.