Tensions are mounting within the Akwa Ibom State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as founding members accuse Senate President Godswill Akpabio of undermining the party in favor of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
In an open letter to President Bola Tinubu on Sunday, the aggrieved party leaders alleged that Akpabio was working to weaken the APC in exchange for securing PDP’s backing for his Senate re-election bid in 2027.
The letter, titled “Worrisome State of APC in Akwa Ibom State: A Call for Your Urgent Intervention”, was signed by Elder Okokon James (Uyo Senatorial District), Peter Ibanga (Eket Senatorial District), and Chief Victor Affiah (Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District).
“We have never witnessed this level of selfishness, greed, betrayal, and treachery,” the APC chieftains wrote, recalling their long-standing loyalty to Tinubu since the days of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).
According to them, Akwa Ibom APC chairman, Stephen Ntukekpo, and Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Ekperikpe Ekpo, allegedly admitted to being directed by Akpabio to weaken the party’s structure in the state, ensuring PDP’s continued dominance. In return, they claimed, Akpabio would receive PDP’s support for a third-term Senate ambition.
The letter warned of dire consequences if the situation remained unaddressed.
“We must assure Mr. President that without urgent action, there will be no party members left to receive him when he visits the state next year to campaign,” the signatories stated. “The spirit and soul of the party in Akwa Ibom have been sold to the PDP government.”
They further expressed concerns that while Governor Umo Eno of the PDP is strengthening his party’s hold on the state, APC leaders are actively weakening theirs.
“It is unbelievable that a party that produced a Senate President is in such disarray,” the letter lamented, accusing Akpabio of failing to support Tinubu’s second-term ambition.
However, Akpabio’s media aide, Jackson Udom, dismissed the claims as baseless.
“These are mere beer parlour rumours,” he said, denying any collusion between his principal and the opposition.