Wednesday August 20, 2025
By The NewsDESK |
Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas) Ekperikpe Ekpo has denied the allegation that he was causing disunity in the Akwa Ibom state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Ekpo, in a statement on Wednesday by spokesperson, Louis Ibah, maintained that he remains committed to the administration of President Bola Tinubu as well as the unity of the APC at both the state and national levels.
He was responding to a petition by some APC stakeholders in Akwa Ibom who accused him of allowing his governorship aspiration to divide the party in the state and working at cross purposes with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu.
The petitioners, drawn from 29 out of the 31 local government areas of the state, had also alleged that he had no political relevance in the state to influence votes for the APC in 2027.
But the Minister, through his media aide, said, “We categorically dismiss this petition as a shallow, frivolous, and substanceless attempt by attention-seeking non-members of the APC to undermine Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo’s reputation.
“The petition lacks merit and deserves no serious consideration. Genuine APC members in Akwa Ibom State recognise and appreciate Ekpo’s invaluable contributions to the party’s growth and the state’s development.
“His track record as Minister of Gas speaks for itself: unlocking the country’s natural gas potential, attracting investments to the country (Akwa Ibom State inclusive), and creating jobs for Nigerians.
“As a loyal party man, Hon. Ekpo has consistently demonstrated dedication and stewardship. He was a key force behind the Akwa Ibom Democratic Forum (ADF), a sociopolitical group that championed the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR during the 2023 general elections.
“It is clear that this petition is a mischievous attempt by political jobbers who envy the goodwill and trust Hon. Ekpo enjoys from Mr. President. Loyal APC members are focused on making meaningful contributions, not indulging in petty, attention-seeking antics.
“We assure the public that Rt. Hon. Ekpo will continue to promote and strengthen the values and aspirations of Mr. President for the country’s development and the ideals of the ruling APC in Akwa Ibom State and beyond.
“His commitment to the party’s principles and the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda remains unwavering, and he will continue to work tirelessly to ensure the party’s success and the prosperity of Nigerians”.
