Tension has enveloped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) state secretariat in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital, following the refusal of the Elder Aniekan Akpan-led State Executive Council (SEC) to heed the dissolution order by the party’s National Working Committee (NWC).
National Publicity Secretary of PDP, Debo Ologunagba, had issued a directive dissolving the State Executive of the party by the NWC in Abuja, announcing the constitution of a 31- member Caretaker Committee for a three month period pending the conduct of election.
However, the embattled Chairman, who spoke to Journalists at the party’s Secretariat amidst tight security, described the dissolution as misinformation, insisting that the party executives remain intact and united.
“The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom State wishes to address a recent wave of misinformation circulating on social media platforms, particularly on Facebook, claiming the dissolution of our duly elected State Executive Committee.
“We categorically state that these reports are not only false but also unconstitutional,” Akpan said.
He maintained that the tenure of the State executive would lapse in 2028.
Akpan who was surrounded by all his team, explained that the PDP is governed by the rule of law and guided by the party’s constitution, recalling that the Exco members were elected in a well constituted State Congress for a fix term of four years.
“Any attempt to undermine this democratic process through fabricated reports and political jobbers will not be tolerated,” he warned.
“These individuals have already issued a press release distancing themselves from such falsehoods, highlighting the desperation and recklessness of these political bandits,” he stressed.
According to Akpan, the NWC that allegedly sacked them never had any formal meeting before they settled on such unpopular decision, adding that the PDP National Secretary had issued a statement in that regard .
“Furthermore, we have it on good authority that the National Working Committee (NWC) of our party did not convene any formal sitting to take such a decision.
“The National Secretary of the PDP, Sen. Samuel N. Anyanwu, has issued a press release discountenancing such publications, affirming that no formal sitting of the NWC was held to sanction the dissolution of our State Exco,” he said.
Akpan, therefore, 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.
“The State Exco stands firm, and we will continue to work towards advancing the interests of our great party and the people of Akwa Ibom State.”
The chairman said he would continue to be identified with Governor Umo Eno, stressing that the governor is not only the leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) but leading entire state across party lines.
“The party cannot separate us from Governor Umo Eno. He is the governor for all. Nobody can say we have engaged in anti-party by hobnobbing with the governor,” he said.
