Crisis rocks Mkpat Enin APC congress, violence narrowly averted
A potential violent clash was narrowly averted in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area of Nigeria 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 a member of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Uwem Imo Ita, met in Uyo to draw up a fresh list of executives without consulting key stakeholders from Mkpat Enin.
The move reportedly contradicted an earlier resolution reached by party leaders in the area to retain the existing ward and chapter executives for another four-year term, citing their loyalty and performance.
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*APC members
Nkereuwem Effiong
A potential violent clash was narrowly averted in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area of Nigeria 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 a member of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Uwem Imo Ita, met in Uyo to draw up a fresh list of executives without consulting key stakeholders from Mkpat Enin.
The move reportedly contradicted an earlier resolution reached by party leaders in the area to retain the existing ward and chapter executives for another four-year term, citing their loyalty and performance.
Sources within the party disclosed that ahead of 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 included Senator Ekong Sampson; Rt. Hon. Bernard Udoh; Hon. Otobong Ndem; Hon. Victor Ekwere; and Hon. Emmanuel Inyang. Others were former council chairmen — Hon. (Elder) Akparawa Udosam Umoatan, Hon. Ekanem Brown, and Aniekpon Ekpo, as well as the South-South Representative of the North Central Development Commission, Obonganwan Rachael KufreAbasi Nse, and the Board of Trustees Chairman of OML 13, Mkpat Enin, Prince Nseobong Essien.
However, the alleged absence of Ntokekpo, Ibanga and Ita from the stakeholders’ meeting, coupled with reports that they later compiled a separate list in Uyo, reportedly triggered outrage among party faithful in Mkpat Enin. Stakeholders had earlier agreed that the existing party structure, described as tested, united and trusted, should be retained except where adjustments were necessary.
They further maintained that the trio failed to adhere to the party’s resolution that only seven out of the existing 27 executive positions should be restructured to accommodate new entrants for equity, while 20 members of the old executive would remain.
Party insiders said that as tension mounted at the congress venue, the trio allegedly left the area and did not publicly present the purported list to members, a move that many believe prevented the situation from degenerating into violence.
Some party members accused Prof. Ibanga of introducing clannish considerations into party affairs, alleging that his actions could destabilise the APC in Mkpat Enin, barely months after he joined the party.
Others argued that sidelining certain clans, particularly Ibiaku, in the distribution of party offices would amount to political exclusion. They noted that Ikpa Ikono Clan currently produces a senator; Ikpa Ibom Clan has the Local Government Chairman; and Ukpum Minya Clan holds the offices of State APC Chairman, Commissioner for Works and Fire Service, and House of Assembly member. They therefore insisted that, for equity and balance, the position of Chapter Chairman should remain with the Ibiaku Clan.
The controversy led to a boycott of the Saturday congress by several high-profile stakeholders, including former Deputy Governor Valerie Ebe, former council chairmen and other senior party figures.
Amid the tension, Senator Sampson reportedly intervened to calm frayed nerves, assuring members that their grievances would be addressed through appropriate channels. He also commended Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Governor Umo Eno for their efforts to stabilise 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 for another four-year term.
The developments in Mkpat Enin have exposed deep divisions within the local chapter of the APC, raising concerns about internal cohesion ahead of future political contests. Party leaders are now under pressure to reconcile aggrieved factions and prevent further escalation.
