The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akwa Ibom State is embroiled in a deep internal crisis, with founding members accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio of orchestrating the party’s downfall in exchange for his political ambitions. These allegations, contained within an open letter addressed to President Bola Tinubu, paint a picture of betrayal, greed, and a deliberate weakening of the party structure, allegedly in collusion with the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The aggrieved members claim Akpabio’s actions are motivated by a desire to secure the PDP’s support for his third-term senatorial bid, a claim that has been vehemently denied by Akpabio’s representatives. This internal strife threatens the APC’s future in the state, with members warning of a potential exodus and a collapse of support for President Tinubu’s second-term aspirations.
At the heart of the accusations is the assertion that Akpabio has instructed key party figures, including State Chairman Stephen Ntukekpo and Minister of Petroleum Ekperikpe Ekpo, to actively undermine the APC’s strength and pave the way for a PDP victory in the 2027 elections. This alleged sabotage, according to the founding members, manifests in various forms, including discouraging party activities, creating internal divisions, and failing to mobilize support for APC initiatives. The open letter expresses deep concern about the long-term ramifications of this alleged betrayal, warning that the APC risks becoming irrelevant in Akwa Ibom State if drastic action isn’t taken to address the situation and rein in Akpabio’s alleged machinations.
Adding to the complexity of the situation are rumors surrounding Governor Umo Eno’s potential defection to the APC. While the founding members acknowledge these rumors, they emphasize that Governor Eno’s current focus remains on strengthening the PDP’s position in the state. Ironically, they point out, while the opposition is consolidating its power, the APC, despite having a Senate President amongst its ranks, is weakening from within. This contrast further underscores their frustration and concern about the direction the party is heading under Akpabio’s perceived leadership. They argue that his actions are not only damaging to the party’s prospects but also counterproductive to President Tinubu’s reelection campaign.
The founding members’ letter underscores the gravity of the situation, pleading with President Tinubu for urgent intervention to salvage the APC in Akwa Ibom State. They warn that if the current trajectory continues, the party risks losing its entire membership base, jeopardizing any chance of a successful presidential campaign in the state. They express disbelief that a party that secured the position of Senate President finds itself in such a disarrayed state, directly attributing the decline to Akpabio’s alleged self-serving actions and lack of commitment to the party’s broader goals. Their appeal to President Tinubu is a desperate cry for leadership and a plea to restore order and unity within the fractured state chapter.
In response to these serious allegations, Jackson Udom, Special Assistant on Media to Senate President Akpabio, has categorically dismissed them as “beer parlour rumours.” He maintains that the APC remains a strong force in Akwa Ibom State, attributing the accusations to individuals seeking to sow discord between the APC and the PDP. Udom emphasizes the harmonious relationship between Akpabio and Governor Eno, suggesting that the allegations are a desperate attempt to create a false narrative of conflict. He urges the public to disregard these claims and wait for the official campaign period to assess the true state of the political landscape.
The contrasting narratives presented by the aggrieved APC founding members and Akpabio’s spokesperson highlight the deep fissures within the party. While the founding members paint a picture of betrayal and impending collapse, Akpabio’s camp portrays an image of unity and stability. This stark difference in perspectives underscores the urgency of the situation and the need for a thorough investigation into the allegations. The future of the APC in Akwa Ibom State hangs in the balance, dependent on President Tinubu’s response to the pleas of the founding members and the ability of the party to resolve its internal conflicts. Whether the accusations against Akpabio are substantiated or not, the current crisis threatens to irrevocably damage the party’s standing in the state, jeopardizing its electoral prospects and potentially impacting President Tinubu’s reelection bid.
