The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akwa Ibom State has issued a strong rejoinder to a recent publication by The Guide Newspaper, alleging that Governor Umo Eno plans to sack the Obong Stephen Ntukekpo-led APC EXCO in December.
According to the APC, the report is “baseless and fictitious” and lacks any factual or legal foundation. The party described the publication as a “desperate attempt to create disaffection where none exists” and accused the publishers of manipulating the public with a false narrative.
In a statement signed by the Media Unit of the Office of the State Chairman APC, Akwa Ibom State, the party said: “Our attention has been drawn to a false and deliberately misleading publication titled ‘Governor Eno to Sack Stephen Ntukekpo APC Led EXCO in December — SUV, N10 million connection,’ which has been circulating in both print and online platforms. We wish to state emphatically that the said report is not only baseless and fictitious but also faulty ab initio and completely lacking in any factual or legal foundation.”
The APC attributed the publication to politically motivated blackmail, suggesting that the publishers and their sponsors are unsettled by Governor Umo Eno’s recent defection to the APC and his widespread support across party lines. The party said: “It is evident that the writers and publishers of this fabrication are deliberately attempting, albeit in vain, to sow seed of discord within the APC hierarchy. It is politically motivated blackmail – simpliciter.”
The APC also dismissed the reference to SUVs and N10 million as a failed smear tactic designed to attract attention without any proof or basis in reality.
The party, however urged the public to disregard the publication in its entirety and cautioned the originators and sponsors of the report to desist from such divisive propaganda. The APC emphasized its commitment to peaceful governance, the rule of law, and the continued development of Akwa Ibom State without bias or political interference.
The APC reiterated its focus on building a strong party structure that will be a pride to all Akwa Ibomites and perform excellently in every election it contests. Obong Stephen Ntukekpo remains fully focused on this goal, the party said.
