APC Suspends Ukanafun Treasurer Over Alleged Ties to PDP

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In a recent move that has stirred political conversations in Akwa Ibom State, the All Progressives Congress (APC) suspended Ukanafun Local Government Area treasurer Ukobong Ibekwe. The decision stems from allegations that he retained ties with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) even after joining the APC.

According to an official letter dated January 7, signed by Ukanafun APC Chairman Akaninyene Ukpanah and addressed to Akwa Ibom APC Chairman Stephen Ntukekpo, Ibekwe is accused of simultaneously holding an executive position in the PDP while serving as treasurer for the APC.

The party claims that Ibekwe originally defected to the PDP during the 2023 elections but returned to the APC after Governor Umo Eno joined the ruling party in June 2025. However, investigations reportedly revealed that he continued active participation in PDP meetings while fulfilling duties in the APC.

Allegations of Misconduct

Further accusations suggest that Ibekwe was seen at the residence of Senate President Godswill Akpabio in Ukana, where he allegedly received bags of rice meant for both APC leaders and opposition representatives. Additionally, the party alleges he benefited financially from stipends intended for both APC and PDP chapter executives, effectively receiving double payments.

“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 stated, citing Article 21:2 (vii) of the APC constitution to justify the suspension.

The letter concluded that the party will not tolerate “impersonation or fraudulent activities,” officially confirming Ibekwe’s removal from the Ukanafun chapter executive.

Political Fallout and Analysis

This suspension has reignited debates on the sincerity of PDP defectors who joined the APC following Governor Eno’s political realignment. Eno had previously promoted the message of “Akwa Ibom United,” urging collaboration between PDP and APC members in the state, insisting that governance should transcend party lines.

In September 2025, when aides welcomed former Governor Udom Emmanuel at Uyo airport, Eno emphasized inclusivity:

“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.”

Despite these assurances, tensions reportedly escalated later when security was withdrawn from Emmanuel’s home, leading critics to question the governor’s fidelity to his inclusive narrative.

PDP figures have voiced concerns over the suspension. Journalist Michael Bush accused Governor Eno of misleading the public:

“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.”

Similarly, lawyer and former Uyo Local Government chairman Mfon Ben argued that loyalty among some APC officials is superficial, with continued allegiance to the PDP influencing internal state politics.

Commentary

The Ibekwe suspension highlights the ongoing challenges of party realignments in Nigeria, particularly in states like Akwa Ibom where political loyalty can be transactional. Analysts suggest that such incidents expose the difficulty in achieving true party cohesion after mass defections, reflecting a broader tension between formal party structures and underlying personal loyalties.

If left unaddressed, these dual loyalties could destabilize local party operations and complicate governance messaging, reinforcing skepticism about political inclusivity initiatives like “Akwa Ibom United.”