2023: Akpabio’s men take over Akwa Ibom APC structure

                         •Adamu congratulating Ntukekpo (left). With them is APC National Secretary Senator Iyiola Omisore

A new chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akwa Ibom State, Stephen Ntukekpo, has been inaugurated by the party’s National Chairman, Abdullahi Adamu.

With Ntukekpo’s recognition by APC’s national executive, Niger Delta Affairs Minister Senator Godswill has formally taken  over the party’s structure in the oil-rich state.

The inauguration  came days after the Court of Appeal in Abuja dismissed an appeal by APC’s defunct Caretaket  Extraordinary Convention  Planning Committee  (CECPC)  challenging the affirmation of Ntukekpo by a Federal High Court, as chairman.

Former CECPC Secretary James Akpanudoedehe and Akpabio had been battling for the soul of the state APC.

During the inauguration, Adamu urged the chairman to return home and unite aggrieved members of the party.

The national chairman said with “men of integrity‘’ like  Akpabio in the state, he had no doubt that peace and unity would return to APC

To the aggrieved, Adamu declared that “no group has lost out and no group has won because we are one united political family.”

He said: ” Let me, on behalf of members of the National Working Committee (NWC) of our party congratulate you on your inauguration as the Akwa Ibom State chairman of our party. This is a demonstration of our respect for the rule of law.

“We charge you to return home and reunite the members, grow the party and lead it to victory in all elections. Be assured of our support. We are confident that you will succeed.

Receiving the chairman in Abuja yesterday, Akpabio thanked the leadership for standing firm and ensuring that the rule of law prevailed.

The minister said harmony was needed for the party to “perform creditably and face the opposition in 2023.

“We need to give the chairmanship to another district in the state so that the governorship can come from Uyo Senatorial District.

“I don’t have any problem with anybody’s aspiration. I can no longer be governor. I can only be a stakeholder.  I can only pray that the God that assisted me to where I am today can also assist you,” he said.