November 12, (THEWILL) — Nearly six months after Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), his campaign billboards and official portraits still adorn the state PDP Secretariat in Uyo, fuelling fresh controversy over his lingering influence in the opposition party.
A visit by THEWILL to the imposing PDP Secretariat, often touted as the largest in the country, revealed that the Governor’s image remains prominently displayed at strategic locations within the premises, including key offices. Despite expectations that the building might fall into neglect following Eno’s exit, the facility appeared well-maintained, with electricity and security arrangements still intact. A police operational vehicle was permanently stationed at the entrance.
The development has deepened internal cracks within the state chapter of the PDP, which has been engulfed in a leadership tussle since the Governor’s defection.
The National Working Committee (NWC) of the PDP had last month announced the dissolution of the Aniekan Akpan-led State Working Committee, replacing it with a caretaker executive led by Mr Igwat Umoren. However, that decision was swiftly countered by a letter from the party’s National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, who dismissed the purported dissolution, insisting that no formal NWC meeting was held to authorise such action.
Reacting to the controversy, Akpan told journalists that he remained the authentic chairman of the PDP in Akwa Ibom, urging members to disregard what he described as an “illegal and politically motivated announcement.
“The National Working Committee did not convene any formal sitting to take such a decision. The National Secretary of our party has confirmed that no NWC meeting was held to sanction the dissolution of our State Exco”, Akpan said.
But a pressure group within the PDP, Advocates for Peace and Justice, led by Dr Tom Fredfish, has welcomed the sack of the Akpan-led executive, accusing it of “romancing with Governor Eno” to weaken the party from within.
“It is an open secret that Aniekan Akpan has been fraternising with the APC while pretending to remain in the PDP. No one can serve two masters. He should stop deceiving the public and formally register with his new political home—the APC”, the group said in a statement.
The continued presence of Governor Eno’s billboards and portraits at the PDP Secretariat appears to lend credence to these accusations, as many within the party view it as symbolic of lingering loyalty and influence that could undermine efforts to rebuild the PDP’s structure ahead of future elections.
