Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom state did not quite realise his plans to influence the election of 26 candidates of 31 to vie for the House of Assembly in next years elections, results from the weekend primaries have revealed.

Many of the candidates backed by the governor did not make it, according to a report by 247uReports.com.

In Abak, Akpabio’s anointed aspirant, Emmanuel Udosen, a lawyer, who is said to be married to his cousin failed in his bid to get the party’s ticket for the Assembly seat.

The winner of the seat was Friday Iwok, the incumbent. He was returned as the Party’s torch bearer for the forthcoming general election.

Ayang Akanimo Ayang, the member representing Eket state constituency in the House of Assembly had the blessings of Governor Akpabio and was tipped to retain his seat in the House.

However, at the end of the primaries in Eket, the returning officer, Ekpong Edemumoh declared Mr. David Lawrence, a onetime vice chairman of the council as the torch bearer for the party in next February poll. It was a close race though, as Lawrence defeated Ayang by a vote.

Akpabio is however not being blamed solely for Ayang’s defeat as Ayang is said to be architect of his failure, having failed to empower his constituents.