–We will resist Umo Eno’s ‘boys’ with our last blood–APC Chieftain
–We met APC as a dilapidated party–Governor’s Aide
By Our Correspondent
All Progressives Congress in Akwa Ibom State has been divided into various factions as 2027 elections is approaching.
The Guide Newspaper correspondent in Uyo, during the week gathered that old party members who belong to the former Action Congress of Nigeria(ACN), before the merger in 2015, are aggrieved with the new members of the party who joined Governor Umo Eno in defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to APC, accusing them of inducing party leaders with money to have their way in the party.
The APC old members lamented that they are currently marginalized in the party by new members including government officials who are alreading inducing APC ward and chapter leaders with money ahead of 2027 elections.
Speaking with newsmen, a chieftain of the party, Chief Edem Asuquo accused government functionaries of inducing ward and chapter officers with money to secure personal political interests against old members, including those, who have aspired for various offices during previous elections, a development he said might ignite a possible implosion in the ruling party.
Corroborating, Chairman, Akwa Ibom APC media Network, Obong Iniobong John confirmed the allegation of politicians loyal to Governor Umo Eno of inducing ward and chapter leaders of the party with money and vowed that the party will resist with the last drop of it’s blood any imposition of candidates in 2027.
”If there’s anyone that should complain of hijack, it’s the old APC, who stood firm from the time of the Action Congress, AC to the Action Congress of Nigeria ACN and formed part of the merger, which birthed the All Progressives Congress. It will be not only be a political blunder, but a crime against humanity if the state government attempts to hijack a party they came to meet.
Obong Iniobong John used the opportunity to clarify that the party has only endorsed President Bola Tinubu and Senator Godswill Akpabio for 2027 election.
“Agreed, we must embrace everyone, but the new comers must not contemplate overtaking. The APC in Akwa Ibom has only endorsed the President of the Federal Republic Of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu and the Senate President for Second term. They must queue and wait for their turn. They must contribute and build the party before the contemplate any political aspiration” he warned.”
Responding to the allegation, Mr. Patrick Udoha, a special assistant to the governor, who defected to the APC with the governor, denied allegation of government officials inducing APC Ward and chapter leaders with money , saying they went to ‘ ’empower and boost a dilapidated party.
”We are not hijacking, but resurrecting a party that was panting for breath. Those that are complaining are simply mischievous and disgruntled,” he said.
