How new leaders of APC emerged after party congress in Akwa Ibom

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has concluded its special Congress to elect leaders from the wards to the state level thus reinvigorating the party for its renewed hope agenda.

In Akwa Ibom State, it is less two years since Governor Umo Eno, formerly of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) defected to the APC in June 2025, setting the stage for APC to serve as the ruling party in Akwa Ibom since the return to democratic rule in 1999.

Since then, a lot of water has passed under the bridge with much wrangling and in-fighting between the original members of the APC and the new comers from the PDP.

Before Akwa Ibom became an APC-controlled state though by default, members of the APC who were in the opposition camp were kept at arm’s length and were rightly not part of the PDP-led administration in the state.

However, with the defection, the political landscape in the state changed dramatically and new alignments of interest have surfaced as old foes became political friends. This appears to be in line with the saying that there is no permanent enemy in politics but permanent interest.

For instance, it is easy now to find large billboards strategically placed in Uyo, the state capital, soliciting for support for President Bola Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Governor Umo Eno ahead of next year’s general election.

And with the party congress over, Akpabio has wittingly assumed the leadership of the party structure without much ado based on this leadership role.

Also, given that his brother, Envoy Nsentip Akpabio successfully emerged as the state secretary of the APC in Akwa Ibom, an indication that the Akpabios have fully been integrated into the party and have taken full control of its structure, placing them in a vantage position to decide who gets what in the state. Speaking at the Congress of the party held at the Uyo township stadium, Akpabio described the peaceful conduct of the exercise as unprecedented and worthy of celebration.

He recalled his previous experiences of party congresses in the State, and attributed the peace and seamless exercise to the quality leadership provided by Governor Eno, especially given his calling as a pastor.

“This is uncommon, this is unprecedented, and will go down in history, as the most peaceful Congress n the history of the State.”

He said that the amendment of the Electoral Act by the National Assembly and the subsequent signing into law by President Tinubu was significant to the peace, and given impetus to the consensus option adopted by the party.

He lauded Governor Umo Eno, members of the Congress Implementation Committee, and other stakeholders for their contributions to making the Congress successful, adding that President Tinubu was interested in the State especially for its unprecedented peace and unity.

On his part, Governor Eno said it was heartwarming to have all the leaders and stakeholders sit together as family and friends under the APC, stressing that Akwa Ibom was truly a one united family.

Earlier, Chairman of the Congress Implementation Committee and Secretary to the State Government, Enobong Uwah, stressed that the Congress was a testament to the fact that APC in the State has become stronger, determined and focused to lift the State to greater heights of development.

In his acceptance speech, the newly elected Chairman, Stephen Ntukekpo, promised to work harder with his team to deliver better on their mandate saying, “Your dream shall be our dream, your plan shall be our plan, your aspiration shall be our aspiration, we are aware that we are holding this position in trust, and will not let you down.”

Others elected included: Deputy State Chairman, Aniekan Ekpo; State Secretary, State Assistant Secretary, Ulaitor Nkan; Zonal Chairman, Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District, Joseph Tom Henry; Zonal Chairman, Uyo Senatorial District, Isuamfon Archibong; Zonal Chairman, Eket Senatorial District, Victor Edon; State Legal Adviser, Augustine Aniefiok Udoh, State Publicity Secretary, Patrick Edeke, among others.

In attendance at the Congress were the State Deputy Governor, Akon Eyakenyi; Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Udeme Otong; members of the National Assembly; members of the State Executive Council; party stakeholders and members of the party.