Ekpo Denies Stoking Rift Within Akwa.Ibom APC
The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, has refuted allegations of sowing discord within the Akwa Ibom chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a statement released on Wednesday by his spokesperson, Louis Ibah, Ekpo affirmed his steadfast allegiance to President Bola Tinubu’s administration and the unity of the APC at both state and national levels.
This response comes in the wake of a petition from certain APC stakeholders in Akwa Ibom, who accused him of allowing his gubernatorial ambitions to fracture the party in the state and acting contrary to President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The petitioners, representing 29 out of the 31 local government areas in the state, also argued that Ekpo lacks the political influence necessary to garner votes for the APC in 2027.
However, the Minister, via his media aide, declared, “We unequivocally reject this petition as a shallow, frivolous, and baseless attempt by non-members of the APC seeking attention to tarnish Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo’s reputation.
“The petition is devoid of merit and warrants no serious consideration.
True APC members in Akwa Ibom State acknowledge and value Ekpo’s substantial contributions to the party’s growth and the state’s progress.
“His exemplary tenure as Minister of Gas is self-evident: harnessing the nation’s natural gas potential, attracting investments to the country (including Akwa Ibom State), and generating employment for Nigerians.
“As a devoted party member, Hon. Ekpo has consistently exhibited dedication and leadership.
He was a pivotal figure in the Akwa Ibom Democratic Forum (ADF), a sociopolitical entity that advanced President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR’s Renewed Hope Agenda during the 2023 general elections.
“It is apparent that this petition is a duplicitous maneuver by political opportunists envious of the goodwill and confidence Hon. Ekpo commands from Mr. President. Loyal APC members are committed to making meaningful contributions, not engaging in trivial, attention-seeking antics.
“We assure the public that Rt. Hon. Ekpo will persist in promoting and fortifying the values and aspirations of Mr. President for the nation’s advancement and the ideals of the ruling APC in Akwa Ibom State and beyond.
“His commitment to the party’s tenets and the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda remains resolute, and he will continue to labor diligently to ensure the party’s triumph and the prosperity of Nigerians.”
