APC Suspends Akpabio Spokesperson Eseme Eyiboh

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Esit Eket Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State has suspended Eseme Eyiboh, spokesperson to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, over allegations of anti-party conduct linked to an unapproved stakeholders’ meeting.

The suspension was announced by APC Ward 9 executives in a letter dated April 22 and addressed to the state chairman through the local chapter leadership. Signed by 21 ward officials, the letter accused Eyiboh of actions considered harmful to party unity, including alleged anti-party activities, disregard for ward executives and conduct said to have deepened divisions within the party.

The decision followed a warning issued a day earlier by Esit Eket APC Chairman Urua Akpe, who cautioned against holding political meetings without the approval of party leadership.

Despite the warning, Eyiboh went ahead with a stakeholders’ gathering on Wednesday, attended by political leaders and community figures from the area.

The meeting produced early endorsements ahead of the 2027 elections, with participants backing President Bola Tinubu and Senate President Akpabio for re-election. Support was also declared for Senator Ekong Sampson and House of Representatives member Okpolupm Etteh.

Former Niger Delta Development Commission Managing Director Bassey Dan-Abia described the gathering as a community-focused engagement aimed at discussing development priorities in Esit Eket.

Eyiboh, speaking at the event, called for accountability in the management of funds under the Petroleum Industry Act and said the forum was intended to promote civic participation.

Other speakers raised issues around zoning, inclusion and political stability.

Eyiboh has rejected the suspension, arguing that the meeting was a community stakeholders’ forum, not a party meeting requiring authorisation from APC officials.

He maintained that local party executives had no authority over such a gathering and suggested the sanction was based on a misunderstanding of the distinction between party meetings and community consultations.

The dispute appears tied to an earlier directive by Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno warning against unauthorised APC meetings at state and local levels without approval from party chairmen. The governor had exempted himself and Senate President Akpabio from that restriction.

The APC in Akwa Ibom has yet to take a final position on the suspension. State party spokesperson Patrick Edeke indicated the matter remains under review, suggesting the ward-level action may not be the last word.