The embattled chairman of the Akwa Ibom State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Hon Aniekan Akpan, has insisted that a dissolution letter from the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) is illegal, null, and void, declaring the entire state executive committee intact until their elected four-year tenure ends.
The NWC, through the National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, had issued a statement announcing the dissolution of the Akwa Ibom state exco and the constitution of a 31-member caretaker committee for a three-month period.
However, Chairman Aniekan Akpan, in a press briefing at the party secretariat in Uyo amid tight security, countered the announcement, describing it as misinformation. He insisted that the party executives remain intact and united, attributing the reports to falsehoods spread by social media influencers.
“We categorically state that these reports are not only false but also unconstitutional,” Akpan stated. He explained that the PDP is governed by the rule of law and its constitution, adding that the exco members were elected in a well-constituted state congress for a fixed term of 4 years. “Any attempt to undermine this democratic process through fabricated reports and political jobbers will not be tolerated.”
Akpan further claimed that some exco members were falsely listed in the new caretaker committee without their consent and that the NWC never held a formal meeting to reach such a decision. He cited a press release from the PDP National Secretary, Sen. Samuel N. Anyanwu, which he said affirmed that no formal NWC sitting was held to sanction the dissolution.
He appealed to party members, supporters, and the public to disregard the report and remain committed to the lawful leadership of the party in the state. Akpan also affirmed his alignment with the state governor, Pastor Umo Eno, describing him as the leader of the PDP and the entire state.
In contrast, some party stakeholders believe the NWC’s decision is constitutional, citing Section 31 (2) d of the PDP Constitution, which empowers the National Executive Committee to dissolve a State Executive Committee and appoint a Care-Taker Committee for a period not exceeding three months.
Meanwhile, security operatives have been deployed to the party secretariat to forestall any breakdown of law and order.
