APC Suspends Ukanafun Treasurer Over Alleged Ties to PDP

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ukanafun Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State has suspended its treasurer, Ukobong Ibekwe, over claims that he failed to properly leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) before assuming office in the APC.

According to reports by Naija News, the announcement was contained in a letter dated January 7 and forwarded to the Akwa Ibom APC Chairman, Stephen Ntukekpo.

Signed by Ukanafun APC Chairman, Akaninyene Ukpanah, the letter alleges that Ibekwe continued to maintain his PDP membership and even held an executive role within the opposition while simultaneously serving as a key official in the APC.

The party stated that Ibekwe originally defected to the PDP during the 2023 elections, only to return to the APC after Governor Umo Eno joined the ruling party in June 2025 and returning members were granted waivers.

However, the APC claims that its findings show Ibekwe still holds an executive position in the PDP while also resuming his previous role as chapter treasurer in the APC.

The party further asserted that Ibekwe actively participated in meetings of both political parties in Ukanafun, labeling the act as a gross violation of the APC constitution.

The letter also accused Ibekwe of being seen at the residence of Senate President Godswill Akpabio in Ukana, where he allegedly collected bags of rice intended for APC leaders and opposition representatives.

In addition, the APC alleged financial misconduct, stating that Ibekwe received stipends meant for APC officers while simultaneously benefiting from payments allocated to PDP chapter executives.

“The stipends paid by Governor Eno to chapter officers were received twice by Mr. Ibekwe because he still functions as a PDP chapter officer,” the letter claimed.

Referring to Article 21:2 (vii) of the APC constitution, the party insisted that Ibekwe’s actions amounted to serious violations.

“His suspension from the Ukanafun chapter executive is hereby confirmed, as the party will not tolerate impersonation or fraudulent activities,” the letter concluded.

This development has reignited debate over the sincerity of PDP defectors who joined the APC in Akwa Ibom following Governor Eno’s move to the ruling party.

Before his defection, Governor Eno frequently dismissed partisan rivalry, describing political parties as tools used to seek public office. He encouraged PDP members to collaborate with APC figures and championed the slogan “Akwa Ibom United.”

After officially joining the APC, he continued to promote the same message, insisting that leadership and governance in the state should transcend party affiliations.

In September 2025, when controversy erupted over aides who welcomed former governor Udom Emmanuel at the Uyo airport, Eno stated: “We are operating Akwa Ibom United. We acknowledge leaders from all parties, but it does not change the fact that I am now in the APC to back President Bola Tinubu and Senator Akpabio.”

However, tensions escalated later when police security was reportedly withdrawn from Emmanuel’s home, allegedly under the directive of the governor.

Critics Challenge Governor Eno’s Loyalty

The suspension of Ibekwe has intensified criticism from PDP figures across the state.

In November, journalist and PDP member Michael Bush accused Governor Eno of misleading the public with the “Akwa Ibom United” narrative.

“Apologize today for the falsehood disguised as Akwa Ibom United and continue with your APC agenda, because even the blind can see what you’re doing from the seat of power,” Bush stated after two aides were allegedly dismissed for attending the PDP national convention in Ibadan.

Similarly, lawyer and former Uyo Local Government chairman, Mfon Ben, claimed that several members of the governor’s administration remain loyal to the PDP beneath the surface.

“He is well aware that some of his team members are betrayers because their loyalties still lie with their original party,” Ben said, adding that political allegiance in the state is often based on proximity to power rather than ideology.