Senate President Godswill Akpabio has called on aggrieved members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to remain calm following disputes over the conduct of recent party congresses.
Akpabio made the appeal when protesting party members visited his Shelter Afrique residence in Uyo, where they were assured that their grievances would be communicated and addressed appropriately. According to his aide on political matters, the Senate President was resting at the time but had expressed confidence that anomalies in the congresses would be corrected.
Reports indicate that security agencies intervened to prevent potential violence during the congresses, particularly in Mkpat Enin, Esit Eket, and other local government areas. Central to the dispute was the alleged refusal of key stakeholders—including State APC Chairman Obong Stephen Ntukekpo, Commissioner for Works Prof. Eno Ibanga, and House of Assembly member Hon. Uwem Imo Ita—to implement party resolutions due to perceived vested interests. Critics claimed the trio compiled a new list of executives in Uyo without consulting local stakeholders, contradicting a prior decision to retain existing ward and chapter executives for another four-year term.
The controversy stems from a February 14, 2026, stakeholders’ meeting in Uyo, convened by the Executive Chairman of Mkpat Enin LGA and Local Government Coordinator of Party Affairs, Hon. Emmanuel Inyang, which endorsed continuity of the current party structures. Prominent figures, including Senator Ekong Sampson, Rt. Hon. Bernard Udoh, Hon. Otobong Ndem, Hon. Victor Ekwere, and Prince Nseobong Essien, reportedly supported the decision. The absence of Ntukekpo, Ibanga, and Ita from this meeting and their subsequent compilation of a separate executive list in Uyo triggered protests and heightened tensions.
Party insiders stated that the trio failed to adhere to the agreed plan to re-jig seven positions within the 27-member party structure for equity while retaining the remaining 20 members. Allegations were also made that Prof. Ibanga introduced clannish considerations, sidelining certain clans, including Ibiaku, which currently holds no representation in comparison to other clans that occupy key party positions. Advocates argued that the chapter chairmanship should be retained within Ibiaku to maintain fairness and balance.
The fallout led to a boycott of the Saturday congress by several high-profile stakeholders, including former Deputy Governor Lady Valerie Ebe and other senior party figures. Senator Sampson intervened to de-escalate tensions, assuring members that grievances would be addressed through proper channels. He also praised Senate President Akpabio and Governor Umo Eno for efforts to stabilise party structures across Akwa Ibom State.
In contrast, party congresses in Ikot Abasi and Eastern Obolo LGAs reportedly proceeded peacefully, with existing executives returned unopposed for another four-year term, highlighting the localized nature of the disputes in Mkpat Enin.
