By: Uko Callistus
As Nigeria braces for a politically charged 2027 general election, a leading voice in the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Chris Akpan, has dismissed the newly formed ADC coalition as no real threat to the ruling party.
In an exclusive interview, in Uyo, Dr. Akpan—Deputy National Welfare Secretary of the APC and former Commissioner in Akwa Ibom State—spoke candidly on defections, internal friction, grassroots politics, and what the future holds for APC and Nigeria’s democracy.
He described the ADC’s leading figures—including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, David Mark, Rotimi Amaechi, and Nasir El-Rufai—as politicians with poor track records and minimal grassroots relevance.
“Let’s start by examining the characters involved. All of them have been tested in office, and frankly, their performances were below par,” Dr. Akpan said.
He singled out former Senate President David Mark and ex-Transportation Minister Amaechi as examples of leaders who, according to him, failed to prioritize their constituencies.
“David Mark used helicopters to reach his own local government, Otukpo. Amaechi was more interested in building a railway to Maradi in Niger Republic than fixing roads in South-south” he added.
According to Dr. Akpan, the coalition is banking on current economic difficulties to sway voters but lacks the credibility to present itself as a viable alternative.
“They’re the ones who created this mess. Now that President Tinubu is trying to correct it, they want to ‘rescue’ Nigeria? From what—and by whom?” he queried.
On the recent defection of Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno to the APC, Dr. Akpan cautioned against attempts to bypass internal party mechanisms.
“Outside the President, the Governor, and the Senate President, everyone else must go through primaries. That’s the only way the APC can survive in Akwa Ibom.”
He further stated that while the Governor is now the leader of the party in the state, he must respect the party’s structure.
“Did we form PDP structure for him when he was there? No. The APC has been functional, and that’s what attracted him. So, he should lead from where he met us.”
On concerns that PDP elements entering APC with the Governor are already hijacking local structures, Dr. Akpan was blunt.
“You can’t hijack APC with money or influence. We have laid-down structures. Those coming in must respect them and wait for congresses.”
He emphasized that while the APC welcomes defectors, they must align with party values and constitutionally mandated processes.
Reacting to allegations that the APC State Chairman in Akwa Ibom is running the party unilaterally, Dr. Akpan described the claims as “rumours—contemptuous at best,” while noting he doesn’t have supervisory control over the state structure.
However, he offered advice: “The party found him worthy of the position. He must carry his colleagues along. That’s not too much to ask.”
On the internal handling of decamping processes, he stressed the importance of respect and order.
“People can’t just walk in and take over. The Constitution is clear. Whatever ambitions they have must wait for the next congresses.”
Addressing the recent court ruling in the case between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti, Dr. Akpan claimed it was a politically motivated smear campaign.
“Her claims were laughable. One day she says she was harassed, the next she’s taking selfies with the same person. It was all nonsense. Akpabio is a man of integrity.”
Looking ahead, Dr. Akpan confirmed that with the recent resignation of the APC National Chairman, the party will hold an emergency NEC meeting in 24 July to elect a new leader capable of confronting emerging coalitions.
“We’ll elect someone with strong leadership skills who can stabilize the party and face new challenges head-on.”
With parties realigning, defections gaining momentum, and new coalitions forming, Dr. Akpan believes the APC is poised to weather the storm—so long as discipline, grassroots engagement, and respect for internal processes remain the guiding principles.
“We’re actively protecting the people’s political interests,” he concluded.
