Security operatives have occupied the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) secretariat in Akwa Ibom State to prevent potential unrest, following conflicting claims over the dissolution of the State Working Committee (SWC).
The tension arose after PDP National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba announced the SWC’s dissolution and the appointment of a 31-member caretaker committee. However, National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu issued a counter-statement, asserting that no National Working Committee (NWC) meeting had occurred to authorize such a move.
Akwa Ibom PDP Chairman Aniekan Akpan dismissed the dissolution as “illegal” and reaffirmed that the state executive remains intact, committed to completing its full four-year term. Addressing reporters on Thursday, Akpan, flanked by his executive members, labeled the reports “false and unconstitutional,” emphasizing that the party operates under its constitution and the rule of law.
He highlighted that the executive was elected during a properly constituted state congress for a fixed term. Akpan also noted that some members were erroneously included in the proposed caretaker committee without their consent and pointed out the absence of a formal NWC meeting, as confirmed by the national secretary’s statement.
Akpan urged party members, supporters, and the public to ignore the misinformation and remain loyal to the legitimate state leadership. He stressed the party’s alignment with Governor Umo Eno, describing him as the state’s leader beyond 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.”
