𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟳: 𝗔𝗣𝗖 𝗜𝗯𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗸𝗽𝗼 𝗔𝘀𝘂𝘁𝗮𝗻 𝗖𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗥𝗮𝗻𝗸𝘀, 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗲𝘀 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆, 𝗣𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗲

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area has intensified efforts to strengthen internal cohesion, urging members to embrace peace, unity and mutual respect as the party positions itself for victory in the 2027 general elections.

The call was made during a strategic stakeholders’ meeting held at the residence of the APC Chapter Chairman, Hon. Amb Effiong Effiong, popularly known as Movfe. Despite a heavy downpour, party stakeholders, members of the Chapter Executive Working Committee and Ward Chairmen turned out in large numbers to deliberate on the state of the party and chart a united course ahead.

In his opening remarks, Hon. Effiong congratulated the newly inaugurated party officers from the zonal to ward levels and formally presented them to the stakeholders. He charged the new executives to work harmoniously with party leaders, insisting that unity remains the bedrock of sustainable political success.

According to him, a peaceful and united APC is crucial to the effective implementation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda and the New Era vision of the Executive Chairman of Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government, Rt. Hon. Edidiong Inyang – Murphy

“No meaningful development can thrive in an atmosphere of conflict,” the chapter chairman stated, urging members to place the collective interest of the party above personal ambitions.

He commended the local government leadership and party faithful for the successful conduct of the recently concluded Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, describing the outcome as a product of commitment, coordination and grassroots mobilisation.

Hon. Edet also congratulated APC candidates who emerged from the party’s recently concluded primaries and appealed to all members to close ranks, reconcile differences and work together towards a resounding victory in the 2027 polls.

A major highlight of the meeting was his passionate appeal to party members to desist from public attacks, blackmail and media campaigns capable of bringing the party and its leaders into disrepute. While encouraging constructive criticism, he stressed that internal disagreements should be resolved through established party mechanisms rather than the media.

Former Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Aniekan Uko, advised party candidates to embark on wide consultations with stakeholders, elders, former and serving legislators, saying such engagements would enrich their campaigns and strengthen the party’s unity.

He also urged members to respect one another’s constitutional rights, warning that violations of fundamental human rights could attract legal consequences.

Adding his voice, former Chairman of Council, Rt. Hon. Emaeyak Ukpong, reaffirmed that the Nigerian Constitution guarantees freedom of association and worship, noting that every citizen is at liberty to belong to any lawful association without prejudice.

He maintained that leaders should ultimately be judged by their ability to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people.

In his remarks, the Executive Chairman of Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government, Rt. Hon. Evang. Edidiong Inyang, made a passionate appeal for unity across the Ibesikpo and Asutan clans, dismissing every form of division and sectional interest.

“I do not know the difference between Ibesikpo and Asutan. What I know is Ibesikpo Asutan, and we must continue to live and work together as one family,” he declared.

The council chairman reaffirmed his unwavering loyalty to the APC and pledged to work with party leaders and members to ensure the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Umo Eno and all APC candidates in the 2027 general elections.

He further urged party members to be worthy ambassadors of Ibesikpo Asutan by promoting responsible conduct, mutual respect and positive engagement both within and outside the party.

The meeting was attended by several prominent APC leaders, including former member of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon Emmanuel Obot; former members of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Hon. Eyakeno Etukudo and Hon. Engr. Eduok Eduok; APC South-South Zonal Secretary, Hon. Dr. Ita Udosen; former Council Vice Chairman, Hon. Dr. Mbosowo Ekpeyong; former governorship aspirant, Obong Ide Owodiong; immediate past chairman of council and Zonal Woman Leader of APC, Hon. Akon Michael, former Caretaker Committee Chairman, Barr. Ukana Udofia; and other stakeholders.

The meeting ended with a renewed commitment by party leaders to strengthen internal unity, deepen grassroots mobilisation and consolidate the APC’s electoral fortunes in Ibesikpo Asutan ahead of the 2027 elections.