Sunday February 22, 2026
www.thenewsdesk.ng
By Maurice EDEM
A looming violent clash was narrowly averted in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area during the chapter congress of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Saturday, following a dispute over the composition of ward and chapter executive lists.
Tension escalated after allegations that the State Chairman of the APC, Stephen Ntokekpo, the Commissioner for Works and Fire Service, Eno Ibanga, and House of Assembly member, Hon. Uwem Imo Ita met in Uyo to draw up a fresh list of executives without consulting critical stakeholders from Mkpat Enin.
The move reportedly contradicted an earlier resolution reached by party leaders in the area to retain existing ward and chapter executives for another four-year term, citing their tested loyalty and performance.
Sources within the party disclosed that prior to the February 18 and 21, 2026 congresses, an enlarged stakeholders’ meeting held on February 14 in Uyo had overwhelmingly endorsed the continuity of the current party structures.
The meeting, convened by the Executive Chairman of Mkpat Enin LGA and Local Government Coordinator of party affairs, Hon. Emmanuel Inyang, reportedly adopted a vote of confidence in the existing executives.
Prominent figures who endorsed the resolution of the meeting included; Senator Ekong Sampson, Rt. Hon. Bernard Udoh, Hon. Otobong Ndem, Hon. Victor Ekwere, and council chairman, Hon. Emmanuel Inyang.
Others were; former council chairmen; Hon. (Elder) Akparawa Udosam Umoatan, Hon. Ekanem Brown, Aniekpon Ekpo; South South Representative, North Central Development Commission, Obonganwan Rachael KufreAbasi Nse and Stakeholder and BoT Chairman, OML13, Mkpat Enin, Prince Nseobong Essien.
However, the alleged absence of Ntokekpo, Ibanga and Ita from that stakeholders’ meeting, and reports that they later compiled separate new lists in Uyo, ignited outrage among party faithful in Mkpat Enin, when stakeholders had agreed at a meeting that the current structures of the party, as duly constituted is tested, trusted, united and should be retained except, where there is need for changes or addition in the composition of the Excos at the congresses.
They further maintained that, the trio did not even adhere to the decision of the party that 7, from the already existing 27 member party structures should be rejigged with new members to accommodate the new entrants for equity, while 20 from the old Exco remained.
Party insiders claimed that as tension mounted at the congress venue, the trio hurriedly left the area and could not publicly present the purported list to the aggrieved members, thereby preventing what many feared could have degenerated into a violent confrontation.
Some party members accused Prof. Ibanga of introducing clannish considerations into party affairs, alleging that his actions were capable of destabilising the APC in Mkpat Enin barely months after joining the party.
Others argued that sidelining certain clans, including Ibiaku, in the distribution of party offices would amount to political injustice and exclusion.
And as such, Ikpa Ikono Clan has currently produced a senator; Ikpa Ibom Clan, the Local Government Chairman; Ukpum Minya has the State Chairman of APC, Commissioner for Works and Fire Service and House Member, while Ibiaku is zero, and it would be expedient for the position of Chapter Chairman of the party to be retained in Ibiaku Clan for equity and balance.
The fallout led to a boycott of the Saturday congress by several high-profile stakeholders, including former Deputy Governor Lady Valerie Ebe, former council chairmen and other senior party figures.
Amid the tension, Senator Sampson reportedly intervened to calm frayed nerves, assuring party members that their grievances would be addressed through appropriate channels.
He also commended Godswill Akpabio and Governor Umo Eno for their broader efforts at stabilising party structures across the state.
In contrast, party congresses in Ikot Abasi and Eastern Obolo Local Government Areas were conducted peacefully, with existing executives returned unopposed to serve another four-year term.
The developments in Mkpat Enin have exposed deep-seated divisions within the local chapter of the APC, raising concerns among observers about internal cohesion ahead of future political contests.
Party leaders are now under pressure to reconcile aggrieved factions and prevent further escalation.