By Kemfon Udoekpo, Ph. D
Events of the last few days following the Ward and Local Government Congresses of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akwa Ibom State have left tongues wagging and narratives spinning wildly. What should have been a routine process of consolidation has been dressed up by a few as controversy. But let us ask the hard questions rather truthfully.
In which marriage do partners not both have a stake? Even if one stake is smaller, is it not still a stake? When two families unite, do they not both sit at the table? Or does one stand outside while the other feasts?
The June 6 political realignment, led by Governor Umo Eno, was not a hostile takeover. It was not a conquest. It was a merger — an integration of what many now metaphorically describe as the “Old Testament” and the “New Testament” APC in Akwa Ibom State. And in every genuine merger, there must be room for both legacy and momentum.
Before this historic alignment, let us be honest: the party structure in the State struggled. Outside a privileged few, the structure wallowed in financial hardship, operating more on survival instinct than strategic expansion. Then came a Governor, not compelled, not coerced , who brought structure, visibility, and resources to strengthen the platform.
Now the same Governor, who supports and funds the party and provides leadership at the highest level in the State, is expected by some critics to remain an onlooker? To bankroll the house but have no voice in arranging its furniture? To carry the weight yet stand outside the room? How ? Is that how partnerships work? Is that how families grow? Is that how institutions endure?
What critics conveniently ignore is that such a political calibration could not have emerged in isolation. The Governor could not have acted unilaterally in this matter of party structure. It is only reasonable to infer that wide consultations were held with the Senate President and other critical leaders of the party in the State before arriving at what many describe as a “one sided “ formula adopted. Political architecture at this level is built on consensus, not impulse.
The Executive Committee structure remains twenty-seven (27) members at Ward and Chapter levels. Twenty (20) were retained from the existing structure. Seven (7) were infused at the last Congresses to reflect the new alignment. A 20–7 composition is measured compromise aimed at stabilizing.
Yet some cry foul, carry placards and produce content. So when did accommodation become oppression? Is restraint now weakness? Is magnanimity now marginalisation?
For a sitting Governor who won his election overwhelmingly in 2023 general elections over all other contenders and whose political structure constitutes the majority, to accept a formula that preserves twenty seats for the existing order speaks not of domination, but of humility. It is easy to wield power; it is harder to moderate it. It is easy to demand total control; it is harder to negotiate. And negotiations of this nature are not conducted in silos; they are products of engagement and respect for stakeholders whose counsel shapes final outcomes.
The party leadership opted for inclusion over upheaval, balance over bitterness, stability over supremacy. That decision was not accidental. It was strategic.
Those disparaging the Governor must answer a simple moral question: should the leader who strengthens the platform financially and structurally be denied even a modest stake in its configuration? Should he fund the party’ engine but never touch the steering wheel?
Politics is not theatre. It is architecture. It requires builders, not hecklers. And in this moment, Akwa Ibom’s APC is being built , carefully as a united front.
Let it be known that history will not remember the placards. It will remember those who chose unity over ego and partnership over provocation. Peace! !
Kemfon Udoekpo, Ph. D writes from Itu, Akwa Ibom
