Akwa Ibom PDP Crisis Deepens

In a surprising turn of events, the Akwa Ibom State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has refused to remove photographs of Governor Umo Eno from its secretariat, even six months after his defection to another party. A recent visit to the PDP secretariat in Uyo revealed that the governor’s official portrait and campaign posters remain prominently displayed in strategic positions and offices. This has sparked curiosity and raised questions among party faithful and observers, who wonder why the party has not taken down the images despite his formal exit.

Concerned PDP chieftains attribute the continued display to the governor’s earlier statement that he would continue to exert control over the party even after leaving. That claim has not been well received by loyal party members. The situation is further complicated by allegations that the former PDP chairman in Akwa Ibom, Aniekan Akpan, has been attending gatherings of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the party to which Governor Eno defected. This has led to a split within the state PDP, with a new faction emerging under the leadership of Umoren Iquat, announced by the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) after the dissolution of Akpan’s executive committee.

Akpan, however, disputes this development, insisting he remains in charge of the party in the state and urging members to disregard the announcement of his removal. He argues that the NWC did not hold a formal meeting to dissolve his executive committee and points to a statement from the party’s national secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, supporting his claim. A group within the PDP, known as PDP Advocates for Peace and Justice, has called on Akpan to formally register with the APC, citing his alleged fraternisation with that party while still claiming PDP membership.

With the state’s political landscape undergoing significant changes, it remains to be seen how these developments will impact the outcome of the 2027 general elections in Akwa Ibom, a state traditionally a PDP stronghold. The ongoing power struggle within the party is likely to have far‑reaching consequences for the state’s political future.