The All Progressives Congress Media Network (APCMN) has dismissed allegations circulating in a viral YouTube video that Senate President, Godswill Akpabio is plotting to replace Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
The video, posted by a certain Offiong Aqua, claimed that Akpabio was engineering a political ambush to deny Eno a second-term ticket under the APC. But in a statement released on Monday, Director General of APCMN, Otuekong Iniobong John, described the claims as “pure fabrication” designed to smear the Senate President.
John strongly refuted the narrative, stating that Akpabio remains fully committed to the reelection of both Governor Eno and President Bola Tinubu. He also denounced suggestions in the video that Akpabio had “used and dumped” political allies such as Senator John Akpanudoedehe, Nsima Ekere, and Chief Don Etiebet.
“The APCMN is compelled to respond to the malicious and baseless fabrications by Offiong Aqua on YouTube, aimed at tarnishing the reputation of the President of the Senate,” the statement read. “Contrary to Aqua’s falsehoods, Senator Akpabio has no plans to sponsor any candidate against Governor Umo Eno in the next election cycle.”
The group challenged Aqua to provide any credible evidence of the so-called political replacement plan, insisting that “Governor Umo Eno will be overwhelmingly re-elected by the people of Akwa Ibom under the APC platform.”
Dismissing claims that the governor is disillusioned or weakened, John added, “Our governor is performing exceptionally well. The people are happy with his leadership, and his record speaks for itself. His focus on the development and progress of Akwa Ibom is unwavering.”
Addressing the fallout with past political allies, John argued that political divergence does not equate to betrayal. “It is a natural dynamic in politics for individuals to part ways over differing interests or ambitions. That does not mean Akpabio abandoned or exploited anyone.”
He called on Aqua to desist from spreading false narratives and inciting needless controversy.