Amid escalating tensions over a disputed dissolution of the Akwa Ibom State Working Committee of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), security operatives have taken over the party’s secretariat in Uyo to prevent a potential breakdown of law and order.
The move follows conflicting announcements from the PDP National Working Committee (NWC), which reportedly sacked the state executive, and a rebuttal from the party’s National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, who denied any such decision was formally made.
PDP in Turmoil: Conflicting Statements from the Top
Earlier this week, the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, announced the dissolution of the Akwa Ibom State Executive Committee and the appointment of a 31-member caretaker committee.
However, in a surprising twist, Senator Anyanwu issued a counter-statement, declaring that no meeting of the NWC ever took place to ratify such a decision. He emphasized that any move to dissolve the state exco lacked legal and procedural backing.
State Chairman Rejects Sack, Declares Exco Intact
In a press briefing held on Thursday, Akwa Ibom PDP Chairman, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Akpan, firmly rejected reports of the dissolution, describing it as “illegal, unconstitutional, and a calculated move to destabilize the party in the state.”
“We categorically state that these reports are not only false but also unconstitutional. The Akwa Ibom PDP Executive Committee was duly elected through a state congress and will serve its full four-year term,” Akpan said.
Surrounded by members of the purportedly dissolved executive at the secretariat, Akpan explained that the PDP constitution remains the guiding authority, and accused “divisive elements” of plotting to weaken the party’s stronghold in the state.
He added that some executive members were falsely included in the caretaker committee list without their knowledge or consent.
Security Clampdown to Prevent Escalation
As tension mounted over the authenticity of the sack, security forces were deployed to the PDP state secretariat to maintain peace and prevent any violent clashes between rival factions. The area remained calm, but under close surveillance.
Akpan appealed to party faithful and the public to disregard the “fake news” and continue to support the lawful leadership of the party in Akwa Ibom.
“We urge our members and supporters to remain calm and committed. This executive is valid and will not be distracted by attempts to sow discord,” he added.
Support for Governor Umo Eno Reaffirmed
Akpan also reaffirmed the party’s support for Governor Umo Eno, describing him as the governor of all Akwa Ibomites, regardless of party affiliations.
“The party cannot be separated from Governor Umo Eno. He is the leader of the state, and associating with him is not anti-party activity,” Akpan stressed.
