Akwa Ibom APC Stakeholders Accuse Akpabio of Undermining Party For PDP Support

A faction of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akwa Ibom State has accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio, the party’s state chairman, Stephen Ntukekpo, and the Minister of Petroleum (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, of allegedly weakening the APC in favor of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to secure support for Akpabio’s 2027 third-term Senate bid.

In an open letter to President Bola Tinubu, titled “The Worrisome State of the APC in Akwa Ibom State: A Call for Your Intervention”, party stakeholders Elder Okokon James, Peter Ibanga, and Chief Victor Affiah claimed the APC leadership was intentionally sabotaging the party.

The letter alleges that Akpabio instructed state party leaders to cripple APC in exchange for PDP’s backing in 2027.

Moreso, the signatories warn that APC members may defect to an opposition coalition, jeopardizing Tinubu’s second-term chances.

They also argue that while Governor Umo Eno (PDP) is strengthening his party, APC in Akwa Ibom is “dead” under Akpabio’s leadership.

Meanwhile In response, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Senate President, dismissed the claims as baseless and mischievous.

“The writers of the letter are non-existent and not recognized by the party,” Eyiboh said. He defended Akpabio, stating that the Senate President has strengthened APC by securing numerous appointments for party members.

In addition, as internal divisions deepen, concerns grow over the party’s strength in Akwa Ibom ahead of the 2027 elections. Whether Tinubu intervenes or allows the situation to unfold could shape APC’s future in the state.