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The Akwa Ibom State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said that the party has not thrown its weight in support of President Bola Tinubu, Akpabio and Governor Umo Eno ahead of the 2027 general elections in the state.
Last week, a faction of the PDP loyal to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike publicly pronounced that the party had adopted the trio of Tinubu, Akpabio and incumbent Governor Umo Eno for the 2027 elections in Akwa Ibom State.
But in a statement signed by the Chairman of PDP Advocates for Peace and Justice (PAPA-J), Dr Tom Fredfish, and made available to journalists in Uyo, he described the claims as a political fabrication designed to create a false impression of acceptance and popularity for the APC in Akwa Ibom State.
Fredfish stated categorically that no legitimate PDP structure in any local government area had collapsed to the APC.
He said the PDP remained a formidable political platform with structures across all 31 local government areas in the state without any rival political party.
The statement reads in part: “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 PDP remains a formidable political platform in the state, with structures, members, and supporters across the 31 Local Government Areas.
“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
“PAPA-J expressed concern over attempts to parade an individual as the PDP chairman in Akwa Ibom at a recent gathering, stating that the person does not represent the authentic leadership recognised by the genuine party structure
“The PDP regards such representation as a political camouflage by elements sympathetic to the APC”.
It affirmed that the authentic PDP leadership is represented by Hon. (Barr.) Igwat Umoren and warned that genuine members should not be deceived by arrangements that do not emanate from the legitimate party structure.
The advocacy group urged PDP members and the public to ignore political arrangements mooted at night meetings and presented as the party’s collective position.
PAPA-J said political endorsement cannot be manufactured through press statements or selective meetings and challenged the APC to build its own structures and campaign on its own record rather than appropriating the PDP’s identity for imaginary victory in 2027.
“If the APC is genuinely popular, it should campaign under its own name, broom and change mantra as well as convincing the people with its past performance.
“The PDP has not collapsed Its structures remain alive, and its members remain committed to democratic principles.
“PAPA-J called on PDP members to remain calm, vigilant and united, and to disregard any purported endorsement not originating from legitimate party organs
“The PDP remains a political force in Akwa Ibom, and the APC’s attempt to manufacture a collapse structure is a mission impossible.”
