Ward and chapter executives of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State have staged a protest over an alleged plot to dismantle existing party structures ahead of the APC congresses scheduled for February 18 and 21.
The aggrieved party members accused some leaders of the party of plotting to dissolve current ward and chapter executives and replace them with newly compiled lists of officers.
The protesters said the alleged move is linked to the recent defection of prominent figures from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) into the APC alongside Governor Umo Eno, a development they fear could spark internal discord within the party.
One of the protest leaders, Silas, alleged that the new entrants were attempting to seize control of the party’s grassroots structures.
“We are the people who nurtured and sustained this party here,” he said.
“After all the sacrifices we made to build the APC in Mkpat Enin, it is unacceptable that barely six months after PDP heavyweights joined us, they now want to push us out.”
Silas argued that if the defectors were dissatisfied with their current political appointments, they should relinquish those positions rather than seek to displace existing party executives.
“If those who defected feel their roles as commissioners, advisers, council chairmen, lawmakers, councillors or aides are not enough, they should step down and contest ward and chapter positions. Let us exchange roles,” he added.
Another protester, Mr. Ubong Inyang, warned that the situation could damage the party’s chances in future elections if not addressed promptly.
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“These actions could breed resentment and crisis within the party. We have worked tirelessly to grow the APC here, and we cannot be sidelined without consequences,” he said.
The protesters also expressed frustration over what they described as their continued marginalisation, noting that despite their loyalty, they had not benefited from appointments since the party gained prominence in the area.
They appealed to Gov. Eno to intervene and stop what they described as an attempt to destabilise the party in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area driven by political overreach.
At the conclusion of the protest, the group issued a communiqué reaffirming their loyalty to the APC at both state and national levels.
They also pledged continued support for President Bola Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Gov. Eno.
The group insisted that peace within the party could only be sustained if existing ward and chapter structures were retained, warning that any attempt to impose new executives could fracture the party and weaken its electoral strength.
