The embattled chairman of Akwa Ibom state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Hon Aniekan Akpan, has insisted that the dissolution letter that sacked all the exco members by the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party remains illegal, null and void and declared the entire exco as intact till the four-year tenure for which they were elected.

The National Publicity Secretary of PDP, Debo Ologunagb, had issued a press statement yesterday containing the dissolution of the Akwa Ibom state exco of PDP by the National Working Committee in Abuja and announced the constitution of a 31-member caretaker committee for a three-month period pending when the election will be conducted.

But the chairman of the PDP, Hon Aniekan Akpan, in a press briefing at the party secretariat, Atan Offot, Uyo, amid tight security, said the dissolution of the exco was misinformation, insisting that the party executives remain intact and united.

Akpan countered the dissolution letter and described the information as false reports from social media influencers.

“The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom State wishes to address a recent wave of misinformation circulating on social media platforms, particularly on Facebook, claiming the dissolution of our duly elected State Executive Committee (exco). We categorically state that these reports are not only false but also unconstitutional.”

Akpan, who was surrounded by all the purportedly sacked exco members, explained that the PDP is governed by the rule of law and guided by the party constitution, adding that the exco members were elected in a well-constituted state congress for a fixed term of 4 years.

“Any attempt to undermine this democratic process through fabricated reports and political jobbers will not be tolerated.”

Akpan further explained that some of the exco members were falsely listed in the new caretaker committee without their consent.

“These individuals have already issued a press release distancing themselves from such falsehoods, highlighting the desperation and recklessness of these political bandits.”

He said the National Working Committee (NWC) that allegedly sacked them never had any formal meeting before they settled on such a decision, adding that the PDP National Secretary has issued a press statement in that regard.

“Furthermore, we have it on good authority that the National Working Committee (NWC) of our party did not convene any formal sitting to take such a decision.

“The National Secretary of the PDP, Sen. Samuel N. Anyanwu, has issued a press release discountenancing such publications, affirming that no formal sitting of the NWC was held to sanction the dissolution of our State Exco.”

Akpan appealed to party members, supporters and the general public to disregard the false report and remain committed to the lawful leadership of the party in Akwa Ibom State.

“The State Exco stands firm, and we will continue to work towards advancing the interests of our great party and the people of Akwa Ibom State.”

The party chairman said he would continue to be identified with the state governor, Pastor Umo Eno, as the governor is not only the leader of PDP but also leading the entire state across party lines.

“The party cannot separate us from Governor Umo Eno. He is the governor for all. Nobody can say we have engaged in anti-party by hobnobbing with the governor,” he said.

However, some party stakeholders believed that the decision of the National Working Committee (NWC) to sack Akwa Ibom exco is predicated on the party’s constitution, which empowers them to dissolve exco in any state chapter of the party.

“The Constitution of PDP Section 31 (2) d states that National Executive Committee shall – ‘where necessary, dissolve a State Executive Committee and appoint a Care-Taker Committee to run the Party until another Executive Committee is elected, provided that the period from the dissolution to the election of the new Executive Committee shall not exceed 3 months;’

“With this, Aniekan Akpan Exco is gone! No need to waste time in court. Besides, the Supreme Court has ruled that no court has jurisdiction in the internal affairs of political parties.

“They should just defect to APC officially and immediately start mobilising for Umo Eno. There will be no 2026.”

Meanwhile, security operatives have taken over the party secretariat to forestall any breakdown of law and order. (Daily Sun)