Akwa Ibom APC: In a recent development that has sent ripples through Akwa Ibom’s political landscape, key stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have leveled serious allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. They claim that Akpabio, along with the party’s state chairman, Mr. Stephen Ntukekpo, and the Minister of Petroleum (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, has collaboratively “sold the soul” of the APC to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). This purported alliance is allegedly in exchange for the PDP’s backing of Akpabio’s anticipated third-term Senate bid in 2027.
Akwa Ibom APC Allegations Against Akpabio
These grave accusations were detailed in an open letter addressed to President Bola Tinubu, titled “The Worrisome State of the APC in Akwa Ibom State: A Call for Your Intervention.” The letter, which has been circulated among news outlets in Uyo, was signed by prominent APC figures: Elder Okokon James, Peter Ibanga, and Chief Victor Affiah, representing the Uyo, Eket, and Ikot Ekpene Senatorial districts, respectively.
The Akwa Ibom APC stakeholders expressed deep concern over the current trajectory of the APC in Akwa Ibom. They allege that the party’s leadership in the state is intentionally weakening its structures to grant the PDP an unchallenged path to victory in the upcoming 2027 elections. This strategy, they claim, is a calculated move to secure the PDP’s support for Akpabio’s third-term Senate ambition.
The letter states: “The state chairman of the party, Mr. Stephen Ntukekpo, and the Minister of Petroleum (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, are openly declaring that they were directed by the Senate President to cripple the party in the state, giving the PDP an easy ride to victory in the 2027 polls in exchange for PDP’s support for the Senate President’s third-term ambition.
“While Governor Umo Eno and his team are strengthening their party daily, our party leaders are doing nothing to show that APC still exists in the state,” the stakeholders lamented.
The stakeholders further warned that if immediate measures aren’t implemented to rejuvenate and fortify the party in the state, the APC might face mass defections. Such a scenario could jeopardize President Tinubu’s prospects in the region during his re-election campaign.
However, in response to the allegations, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Senate President, was quick to dismiss the claims. He labeled the accusations as “spurious and mischievous,” asserting that the purported authors of the letter are not recognized members of the party. Eyiboh further highlighted Akpabio’s contributions to strengthening the APC, citing various appointments secured for party members as evidence of his commitment.
“The writers of the letter are non-existent and not known to the party. Their allegations are spurious and mischievous. The Senate President has strengthened the party through various appointments he has secured for members. Do you call that working against the party?” Eyiboh remarked.
Akpabio’s Political Journey: From PDP to APC
Akpabio’s political career began with the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), where he held significant sway and was considered a formidable force. His tenure as Governor of Akwa Ibom State under the PDP banner solidified his status as a key player in Nigerian politics. However, Akpabio defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in August 2018. This shift was marked by a grand rally in his hometown at the Ikot Ekpene Township Stadium, underscoring the significance of his defection.
Following his defection, Akpabio’s influence within the APC grew steadily. He secured a Senate seat representing the Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial District and, in June 2023, was elected as the President of the Senate of Nigeria. His ascent within the APC was seen by many as a testament to his political acumen and adaptability.
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