“Political Tensions Rise as PDP Warns Akpabio to Back Off Udom Emmanuel”

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has called on Senate President Godswill Akpabio to stop targeting former Akwa Ibom State Governor Udom Emmanuel and instead focus on legislative issues in the Senate. The opposition party alleged that Akpabio is orchestrating a smear campaign against Emmanuel in an attempt to damage the PDP’s reputation.

In a statement released on Friday in Abuja, PDP National Publicity Secretary Hon. Debo Ologunagba accused the Senate President of leading a media campaign filled with falsehoods and misrepresentations. According to Ologunagba, the PDP has uncovered a plot by Akpabio to use a section of the media to spread misleading allegations against Emmanuel.

The party specifically refuted claims that Emmanuel had been indicted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), calling such reports baseless and intended to deceive the public. Ologunagba asserted that the figures being circulated in relation to these allegations were completely fabricated.

The PDP also defended Emmanuel’s tenure as governor, describing him as a transparent and service-oriented leader. The party emphasized that he had left behind a legacy of responsible governance and developmental projects across various sectors, including infrastructure, education, healthcare, aviation, power, housing, and economic development.

The statement urged Akpabio to cease any attempts to tarnish Emmanuel’s image and instead focus on addressing pressing issues within the National Assembly. The PDP insisted that the Senate President should concentrate on his responsibilities rather than engaging in political attacks.

Furthermore, the opposition party reaffirmed its commitment to good governance and vowed to resist any efforts aimed at using misinformation or political intimidation against its members. The PDP stated that it would not allow its leaders to be unfairly targeted for political reasons.

This development highlights growing political tensions between the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the PDP, particularly in Akwa Ibom State, where both Akpabio and Emmanuel have held influential positions. The PDP’s accusations suggest that the rivalry between the two politicians continues even after their respective terms as governor.

Despite the allegations, Akpabio has not publicly responded to the PDP’s claims. However, political observers note that tensions between the two figures date back to their time in Akwa Ibom politics, with Akpabio serving as governor from 2007 to 2015 before Emmanuel succeeded him. Their political rivalry deepened when Akpabio defected from the PDP to the APC and later emerged as Senate President.

As the situation develops, it remains to be seen whether Akpabio will address the accusations directly or whether the dispute will escalate further. For now, the PDP continues to stand by Emmanuel, insisting that he is being unfairly targeted for political reasons.