APC Chieftain Raises Concern Over Congress Consultation

By Sammy Etuk Jnr

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mrs. Glory Obot, has raised concerns over what she described as the exclusion of key party chieftains and senior party leaders in Etinan Local Government Area ahead of the ward and local government congresses scheduled by the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) for Wednesday, February 18, 2026, and Friday, February 20, 2026.

Mrs. Obot, a Lagos-based businesswoman and long-standing member of the party dating back to its Action Congress (AC) days in 2004, spoke shortly after arriving at the Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo, to participate in the congresses.

She stated that she was disturbed by reports that several respected party chieftains and elder statesmen in Etinan had not been adequately consulted in the build-up to the ward and local government exercises.

According to her, senior party leaders who have played visible roles in building and sustaining the party’s grassroots structures deserve recognition and proper engagement, especially at a period as important as the congress season.

Mrs. Obot, who is from Etinan Urban Ward 3, said it was important that experienced hands within the party be involved in the harmonisation process to prevent avoidable discontent.

She questioned why individuals who have committed time, resources and influence to strengthening the party over the years were allegedly being overlooked at such a crucial stage.

Drawing a comparison with Lagos State, she noted that party chieftains and elder statesmen there are usually given prominent recognition because of their support base over the years and the trust imposed on them by their constituents, a development she said has helped to preserve unity and internal stability within the party.

She maintained that party leaders contribute not only financially but also through guidance, experience and moral support that help sustain cohesion within the party.

Her concerns were echoed by other senior party figures. Mr. Ifreke Atak from Etinan Urban Ward 1 called for more general inclusion of ward leaders and party chieftains in the harmonisation process, stressing that collective consultation would strengthen confidence in the outcome of the congresses.

Similarly, Mr. Inyang Akpan from Ukpom Mini Ward 1 in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area expressed reservations about the level of engagement in certain areas. He urged that established party leaders and elder statesmen be widely recognised in the conduct of the exercise.

Across the affected wards, some party elders maintained that inclusive consultation remains vital to preserving unity and avoiding internal friction.

It would be recalled that during the inauguration of the seven-man Harmonisation Committee in October 2025, Governor Umo Eno directed members to consult widely with party leaders across all local government areas before the congresses. The committee is chaired by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Enobong Uwah. Reports of the event indicated that the governor emphasised general engagement as the foundation for party harmony.

As preparations continue, attention remains on how consultations among party chieftains, senior leaders and ward executives unfold in the hours leading to the congresses.