Akwa Ibom APC allege hijack plot by new members

Some Old members of the APC in Akwa Ibom State have alleged a plot by new members, including government officials, to hijack the structure and elective offices, with a plan to relegate them to an embarrassing background.

In separate interviews, the old members, who refer to themselves as ”aborigines’, accuse the new comers of using what they described as government resources and paraphernalia of offices, to influence decisions and favour at the detriment of those who sustained and maintained the party in the past decades.

In his reaction, a chieftain of the party, Chief Edem Asuquo accused government functionaries of inducing ward and chapter officers to secure personal political interests against old members, including those, who have aspired for various offices during previous elections, a development he said might ignite a possible implosion in the ruling party.

However, Patrick Udoha, a special assistant to the governor, who defected to the APC with the governor, denied allegation of hijack, saying they went to ‘ ’empower and boost a dilapidated party.

”We are not hijacking, but resurrecting a party that was panting for breath. Those that are complaining are simply mischievous and disgruntled. The governor is pursuing a unity political system in the state,” he said.

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Yet, others from the new APC block are complaining of marginalization by old members. Some allege that they are not even invited to APC meetings in their various wards and chapters.

When contacted for his comments, Chairman, Akwa Ibom APC media Network, Obong Iniobong John confirmed the allegation of hijack with a vow that the party will resist with the last drop of it’s blood.

”If there’s anyone that should complain of hijack, it’s the old APC, who stood firm from the time of the Action Congress, AC to the Action Congress of Nigeria ACN and formed part of the merger, which birthed the All Progressives Congress.

It will be not only be a political blunder, but a crime against humanity if the state government attempts to hijack a party they came to meet.

Agreed, we must embrace everyone, but the new comers must not contemplate overtaking. The APC in Akwa Ibom has only endorsed the President of the Federal Republic Of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu and the Senate President for Second term. They must queue and wait for their turn. They must contribute and build the party before the contemplate any political aspiration” he warned.