The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is embroiled in a leadership tussle in Akwa Ibom State following conflicting decisions over the dissolution of the state executive committee. While the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) announced the dissolution of the Akwa Ibom State Executive Committee and the appointment of a 31-member caretaker committee headed by Igwat Umoren, the National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, has overruled the decision, declaring it "null and void."
Anyanwu issued a letter instructing the incumbent chairman, Mr. Aniekan Akpan, to disregard the purported dissolution and remain in office, citing the absence of a formal NWC meeting authorizing such action. The National Secretary also emphasized that the National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, lacked the authority to unilaterally dissolve the state exco without direction from the NWC.
In Uyo, Akpan rejected the NWC directive, labeling it "false" and maintaining his leadership of the Akwa Ibom PDP chapter. The controversy reflects wider internal divisions within the party, exacerbated by the defection of Governor Umo Eno to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the subsequent political realignment in the state.
Governor Eno has indicated his intention to work with both APC and PDP structures in Akwa Ibom to promote state unity, a stance that has stirred further debate among party loyalists and opposition members.
The ongoing dispute underscores the complexity of party politics in Akwa Ibom, with key figures in Abuja backing different factions amid efforts to reposition the PDP following recent defections and intra-party challenges.