Akwa Ibom PDP crisis escalates as police take over secretariat following leadership tussle over alleged dissolution of state exco.
Akwa Ibom PDP crisis escalated on Thursday as security operatives took over the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Secretariat in Uyo to prevent any breakdown of law and order following conflicting statements from the party’s national leadership regarding the dissolution of the State Working Committee (SWC).
Also read: Akwa Ibom Lawmakers Defect APC as Only Two PDP Members Remain
The move came after the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Debo Ologunagba, announced the dissolution of the Akwa Ibom exco and named a 31-member caretaker committee. However, this was swiftly countered by the party’s National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, who declared that no such decision had been taken by the National Working Committee (NWC).
In a strongly worded press briefing, Akwa Ibom PDP Chairman Aniekan Akpan rejected the claims of dissolution, labelling them “illegal” and “unconstitutional”.
Surrounded by members of the allegedly sacked SWC, Akpan insisted they remain the legitimate executive, having been duly elected at a valid state congress for a four-year term.
“The PDP in Akwa Ibom State wishes to address a recent wave of misinformation… claiming the dissolution of our duly elected State Executive Committee. We categorically state that these reports are false,” he said.
Akpan accused internal “divisive elements” of attempting to destabilise the party and warned members to remain vigilant.
He also noted that some exco members were named in the new caretaker committee list without their consent, further complicating the matter.
He emphasised that no formal meeting of the NWC was held before the controversial dissolution announcement and referenced a statement by the PDP National Secretary to support his claim.
Appealing for calm, Akpan urged members and supporters to disregard the report and reaffirmed his loyalty to Governor Umo Eno, whom he described as “a governor for all,” dismissing accusations of anti-party activities.
“The party cannot separate us from Governor Umo Eno. Nobody can say we have engaged in anti-party by hobnobbing with the governor,” he added.
Also read: Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno dumps PDP for APC, cites Tinubu, development goals
With the Ibom PDP crisis now drawing national attention, party watchers are concerned about the long-term implications for cohesion ahead of the 2027 general elections.
