PDP group rejects claims of APC takeover, says Akwa Ibom structure remains intact

By Jude Opara

A group within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom State has rejected reports that the party has collapsed its political structure into the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The PDP Advocates for Peace and Justice (PAPA-J) described the reports as politically motivated, insisting that the PDP remains firmly established across the state’s 31 local government areas.

The group was reacting to reports that the PDP and other opposition platforms had endorsed the 2027 re-election bids of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno.

In a statement signed by its Chairman, Dr. Tom FredFish, and Secretary, Saviour Uko, PAPA-J said there had been no decision by any legitimate PDP structure in the state to join the APC.

“PAPA-J wishes to state categorically that no legitimate PDP structure in any Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State has collapsed for the APC,” the group said.

It maintained that the PDP still has members, supporters and functioning political structures throughout the state, describing claims of its collapse as an attempt to create the impression that the APC enjoys overwhelming support in Akwa Ibom.

According to the group, the APC was allegedly exploiting the PDP’s popularity by associating itself with individuals and gatherings presented as representing the opposition party.

“What the APC appears to be doing is an exercise in political desperation, borrowing the name and identity of the PDP because of the party’s enduring popularity among Akwa Ibom people, in an attempt to scout for votes ahead of 2027,” it stated.

PAPA-J also questioned the identity of the individual presented at the reported gathering as the PDP chairman, insisting that the person was not recognized by the party’s legitimate structure in the state.

The group identified Hon. (Barr.) Igwat Umoren as the authentic PDP chairman in Akwa Ibom and urged party members and supporters to disregard political declarations that did not originate from the recognized leadership of the party.

It further cautioned PDP members against what it described as political arrangements allegedly organized without proper consultation and subsequently presented as official party decisions.

The group urged the APC to concentrate on strengthening its own structures and selling its policies and record to voters rather than relying on what it described as the identity and popularity of the PDP.

The development adds to the growing political contest in Akwa Ibom as parties and political groups intensify mobilization ahead of the 2027 elections.