Augustine Ekanem, former chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akwa Ibom State, has announced his resignation from the party amid ongoing political realignments in the state.

Ekanem, known for his grassroots mobilisation skills, had long been at the centre of a leadership crisis that fractured the party’s state chapter. He was elected APC chairman in 2021 after securing 1,278 votes at the congress. However, his tenure was cut short when a Federal High Court in Abuja declared Stephen Leo Ntukekpo as the authentic state chairman.

The court also ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to withdraw the certificate of return issued to Ekanem’s executive committee.

While the exact reasons for his departure remain unclear, his exit is expected to further unsettle the already fragile state structure of the APC. Speculation is rife about his next political destination, with sources close to Ekanem suggesting he may be heading to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

During his time at the helm, Ekanem played a significant role in shaping the APC’s influence in Akwa Ibom, particularly through his grassroots engagement. However, unresolved internal conflicts ultimately led to his displacement.

Efforts to reach him for comment were unsuccessful as of press time. (BusinessDay)