PDP Sacks Akwa Ibom Exco, Sets Up Caretaker Committee

PDP Sacks Akwa Ibom Exco, Sets Up Caretaker Committee

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) has dissolved the entire executive committee of its Akwa Ibom State chapter, appointing a 31-member caretaker committee to steer the party's operations for the next three months or until fresh elections can be held. The action, announced on Tuesday, September 30, underscores the PDP's ongoing efforts to address internal challenges and fortify its position in one of Nigeria's key oil-producing states.The dissolution, which caught many party faithful off guard, comes amid whispers of factionalism and leadership disputes within the state chapter that have hampered grassroots mobilization. While the NWC did not publicly disclose specific reasons for the sack, sources close to the party suggest it stems from prolonged disagreements over resource allocation, candidate selections for upcoming local polls, and perceived lapses in delivering electoral victories in recent off-cycle elections. Akwa Ibom, a PDP stronghold under Governor Umo Eno, has been pivotal in the party's national strategy, making the intervention a high-stakes gambit to prevent further erosion of influence.Leading the new caretaker committee is Igwat Umoren as Chairman, with Harrison Ekpo serving as Deputy Chairman and Borono Bassey as Secretary. Other key appointees include Ewa Okpo (Publicity Secretary and lawyer), Emman Mbong (Organising Secretary), Aniekan Asuquo (Youth Leader), Mary Silvia Abara (Woman Leader), and Enoch Enoch (Legal Adviser and lawyer). The full roster also features Aniebiet Cornelius, Udim Peters, Ayanime Obot, Ofon Michael, Esther Bassey Effiong, David Umanah, Usenmfon Ibanga, Unwana Assam, and 13 additional members tasked with ensuring seamless party administration.In a statement released Wednesday, PDP National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba emphasized unity as the cornerstone of the transition, urging, “all leaders, critical stakeholders and teeming members of our Party in Akwa Ibom State to remain united and continue to work together for the progress of the Party.” He added that the caretaker setup is a temporary measure designed to "inject fresh energy and inclusivity" into the state's chapter, paving the way for congresses to elect a substantive executive.The caretaker committee's mandate includes reconciling aggrieved factions, revitalizing youth and women wings, and ramping up membership drives to reclaim momentum lost in recent by-elections.The affected exco members, led by the ousted state chairman, is yet to issue a formal response, though unconfirmed reports indicate private consultations with national leaders to mitigate fallout. Party insiders predict the committee's tenure could extend if reconciliation proves challenging, potentially testing Governor Eno's influence within the PDP hierarchy.

Source: PDP Sacks Akwa Ibom Exco, Sets Up Caretaker Committee

 - NigerianEye
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