Akwa Ibom APC congress deemed most peaceful in Nigeria’s history — Akpabio

2026-03-03 - 18:18

Party Retains Ntukekpo as State Chairman; Displaced Members to Continue Receiving Entitlements — Eno By Egufe Yafugborhi Uyo — Senate President Godswill Akpabio has described Tuesday’s All Progressives Congress (APC) State Congress in Akwa Ibom as the most peaceful in Nigeria’s history. The congress, held in Uyo, was supervised by the APC national delegation chaired by Austin Bako, with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) represented by State Resident Electoral Commissioner Obo Effanga. Following the dissolution of the previous State Executive Committee led by Obong Stephen Ntukekpo, the congress, conducted by consensus, retained Ntukekpo as state chairman. Other members of the new executive include Aniekan Ekpo, Deputy State Chairman; Envoy Nsetim Akpabio, State Secretary; Augustine Udoh, Legal Adviser; and Patrick Edeke, State Publicity Secretary. The consensus arrangement was formally adopted after Senator Aniekan Bassey moved a motion, seconded by Clement Jimbo, following the dissolution of the former executive. Austin Bako, Chairman of the national-appointed State Congress Committee, affirmed the consensus list, noting that all procedures were reviewed in line with party guidelines. Senator Akpabio commended the orderly conduct of the congress, contrasting it with previous exercises in the state that had witnessed disruption. “This is unprecedented and would go down in history as the most peaceful party state congress in Nigeria,” he said. Speaking on the occasion, Governor Udom Emmanuel (Eno) emphasized unity and inclusiveness: “We’re seeing all former rivals become friends. There is no aborigine or newcomer—today, we are all members of APC Akwa Ibom.” He added that displaced members within the party structure would continue to receive entitlements due to them. Retained chairman Ntukekpo pledged transparency and dedication in his acceptance remarks: “I pledge transparency, accessibility, and tireless service. I will lead with fairness, listen more, and work harder. We shall achieve greater milestones in the years ahead.” The congress sets the stage for the party’s national congress and upcoming general elections, with leadership signaling strong internal cohesion and readiness for 2027.