Akwa Ibom APC Members Accuse PDP Defectors of Hijacking Party

A group of long-standing members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akwa Ibom has raised fresh alarm over what they describe as a takeover of the party by defectors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The group, known as the Akwa Ibom APC Aborigines Forum, says original party loyalists are being pushed aside by newcomers who only recently joined the APC.

In an open petition to President Bola Tinubu on Sunday, the forum claimed the takeover is being coordinated by Governor Umo Eno and ignored by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

According to the petition, the Governor has allegedly formed a special political unit made up of former PDP loyalists to influence key party decisions ahead of the 2027 elections.

The forum said the team consists of 33 individuals, accused of preparing a list of persons to control ward, chapter, and state party structures, leaving long-standing APC members without a say.

The letter signed by the group’s national coordinator, Chief Okon Essien, and its state secretary, Ekemini Udo, stated:

“Your Excellency, we, the Akwa Ibom APC Aborigines Forum, rise in protest and deep concern over the ongoing political subversion and infiltration of our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), in Akwa Ibom State.

“We are alarmed that the structures of our party — built with sweat, courage, and sacrifice — are now being methodically hijacked by Governor Umo Eno through a political ‘War Council,’ while the Senate President, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, under whose leadership we stood loyally, watches in disturbing silence.”

The letter continued:
“Operating like a shadow government inside our great party, this council is the Governor’s instrument for manipulation, infiltration, and eventual domination of the APC in Akwa Ibom State. He has carefully handpicked and mandated thirty-three (33) individuals — mostly die-hard PDP loyalists — to execute this conquest.”

The forum said the development threatens the foundation of the APC in the state and warned that loyal members will resist efforts to “erase the people who built the party.”

“We can’t allow strangers take over our house, while our own leader — the Senate President — appears too distant to defend us,” the statement added.

The party has not officially responded to the claims as of press time.