Stalwarts of the All Progressives Congress (APC) across 29 of the 31 local government areas of Akwa Ibom State have accused the Minister of Petroleum Resources (Gas), Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, of working against the party’s unity and pursuing personal ambitions at the expense of the party’s growth.
In a letter addressed to President Bola Tinubu and made available to newsmen in Uyo on Tuesday, the party chieftains alleged that Ekpo was secretly nurturing a 2031 gubernatorial ambition while neglecting his responsibilities to the APC. They urged the President to call the minister to order, warning that his actions posed a threat to party cohesion in the state.
The petition was endorsed by leading party members across the state, including Michael Essien (Ini), Obong Anthony John (Itu), Victor Okon (Uruan), Pst. David Udoh (Ibiono), Lawrence Edet (Uyo), David Linus (Ibesikpo Asutan), Asua Effiong (Etinan), Vincent Etuk (Nsit Atai), and several others representing nearly all local government areas of the state.
The petitioners accused the minister of betrayal and selfishness.
“Our previous letter to you on this matter was met with a laughable response from the Minister, which only further exposes his true intentions and actions that are detrimental to the party’s unity and progress in our state,” the letter read in part.
“Since assuming office in 2023, the Minister’s actions have been nothing short of disastrous for our party in Akwa Ibom State. Rather than working to rally members in support of your second-term bid and strengthening our structures, he has been busy creating factions and sidelining those who do not support his 2031 gubernatorial ambition.”
The APC stalwarts further alleged that Ekpo has boasted of “amassing sufficient funds” to bankroll his political future while abandoning members who supported his ministerial nomination.
They added, “This is a clear betrayal of the trust reposed in him as a member of our great party. We are also deeply concerned about the Minister’s actions in undermining the Senate President and sowing discord between him and the Governor. His actions are unbecoming of a public servant. We insist that the Minister is a liability to your administration and a curse to our party in Akwa Ibom State.”
But, reacting to the petition, the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the Minister, Louis Ibah, dismissed the allegations as baseless and politically motivated.
“We categorically dismiss this petition as a shallow, frivolous, and substanceless attempt by attention-seeking non-members of the APC to undermine Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo’s reputation,” he said.
Ibah maintained that Ekpo’s contributions to the party and the state cannot be questioned, citing his achievements in the gas sector.
“His track record as Minister of Gas speaks for itself: unlocking the country’s natural gas potential, attracting investments, including to Akwa Ibom State—and creating jobs for Nigerians. As a loyal party man, Hon. Ekpo has consistently demonstrated dedication and stewardship.”
He further noted that Ekpo played a key role in the Akwa Ibom Democratic Forum (ADF), which championed President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda during the 2023 elections.
“It is clear this petition is a mischievous attempt by political jobbers who envy the goodwill and trust Hon. Ekpo enjoys from Mr. President. Loyal APC members are focused on meaningful contributions, not petty antics,” Ibah added.
He assured that the minister remained committed to strengthening the APC in Akwa Ibom and beyond, while upholding the values and aspirations of the President’s administration.
