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APC’s Allegations Against INEC, Baseless, AILM Insists
Recent allegations of collusion and falsification of election results levelled against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) by the state Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Ini Okopido, have been described as baseless and misleading.
This was the position of Akwa Ibom Liberation Movement (AILM) in a press briefing held in Uyo, yesterday.
In a statement entitled, “2019 Election Results: APC And Its Baseless Allegations”, the leader of the movement, Prince Emmanuel Sam, noted that “contrary to the baseless allegations made by the APC, due process was followed by INEC and results of the governorship/House of Assembly were duly collated at polling units, figures announced and relevant party agents signed before moving to local government collation centres for onward submission at the headquarters.
“Such a smooth and straightforward procedure under the watchful eyes of the state Resident Electoral Commissioner, Barrister Mike Igini, was what the APC never expected hence their expression of frustration against INEC.
Sam averred that “if APC chieftains were to pause for a while and engage in soul searching, they would come to terms with the fact that there is no need to point accusing finger at either INEC or PDP because the reality is that during the election, Akwa Ibom people undertook a referendum to reward a party that has brought about life transforming development since 1999 and to consolidate on a sustained peace which Governor Udom Emmanuel has brought to the polity.
“It is worthy of note that the massive support for the governor’s re-election was across party affiliation, including even members of the main opposition.
“So, rather than sounding like a broken record, we urge the state Chairman of APC, Mr. Ini Okopido, to gather evidences of electoral malpractices his party claims to have and approach the election tribunal to seek redress”.
The group alleged that the APC attempted to use the entire security apparatus of Federal Government to wrest power from the people.
“Evidently, all through the campaigns of the All Progressives Congress (APC), its leaders boasted of their plan to use ‘federal might’ to take power by force.
“On election days namely, February 23 and March 9, these threats manifested in parts of the state, including Essien Udim, Ikot Ekpene, Etim Ekpo, Ukanafun, Ikot Abasi, Mkpat Enin, Ibiono Ibom, Itu and others.
“As if that was not enough, the APC imported armed thugs from Edo and other neighbouring states into Akwa Ibom during the period to create an atmosphere of insecurity perhaps to cause a cancellation of the entire exercise”.
He, however, lauded Akwa Ibom people “for going to God in prayers and engaging a high sense of patriotism to take a stand and vote against the aggressor.
“Communities from all ethnic nationalities within the geopolitical area reconnected with each other, uniting with a common objective to stop the attempt to return us back to those dark days of insecurity, impunity and divisive politics”.
Full text of the press briefing reads, “Against the antics of desperate politicians, who were bent on ‘capturing’ our dear state by all means possible, the 2019 general election in Akwa Ibom state ended peacefully with results that reflect the collective will of the people.
“This was an election cycle like never before seen in the state since its creation, where it seemed the entire security apparatus of Federal Government was deployed to wrest power from the people.
“During the elections, February 23 and March 9, these threats manifested in parts of the state, including Essien Udim, Ikot Ekpene, Etim Ekpo, Ukanafun, Ikot Abasi, Mkpat Enin, Ibiono Ibom, Itu and others.
“Known APC stalwarts went about with armed men dressed in security uniforms and caused mayhem, disrupt the electoral process in some polling units and cause other forms of malpractice. More so, the APC allegedly imported armed thugs from Edo and other neighbouring states into Akwa Ibom during the election for the sole aim of creating an atmosphere of insecurity in order to call for cancellation of the entire exercise.
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The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has directed his lawyers to withdraw all ongoing defamation lawsuits against several individuals, saying he was moved by counsel during a New Year Mass.
Speaking at the Sacred Heart Parish in Uyo, yesterday, Akpabio said he had filed nearly nine lawsuits against individuals he accused of defaming him.
He said, “I had almost nine cases in court against some individuals who defamed me, who lied against me, who slandered my name.
“But I listened to the priest and suddenly realised he was talking to me, so I hereby direct my solicitor to withdraw all lawsuits against them.”
In 2025, Akpabio had filed several high-profile defamation lawsuits, including one against colleague Senator Natasha Akpoti?Uduaghan.
In late 2025, Akpabio filed a N200 billion defamation lawsuit against her over allegations of sexual harassment, which he denied and urged her to substantiate in court.
Earlier in the year, Akpabio’s wife also filed defamation suits against Akpoti?Uduaghan over claims she said had harmed her family’s reputation.
Relations between the two lawmakers soured after Akpoti?Uduaghan accused Akpabio of influencing her suspension from the Senate in March 2025, following her public allegations of misconduct.
The Senator had previously challenged actions taken against her in court, including a N100 billion defamation suit she filed against Akpabio and other defendants over alleged remarks that she said damaged her reputation.
With yesterday’s announcement, Akpabio has formally ended all pending legal disputes arising from defamation claims, signalling closure to the publicised litigations as the year begins.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that the best form of gratitude Rivers people owe President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for protecting the interest of the State is to galvanize massive support for the President in 2027.
Fubara disclosed this last Monday during the commissioning of Permanent Secretaries Quarters built by his administration at Elimgbu in Obio Akpor Local Government Area of the State.
He said that the State has what it takes to deliver the President during the 2027 general elections.
“We’ve taken a decision,our decision is for the good of Rivers State, our decision is to say thank you for the protection we have from Mr President, our decision is to prove that we have what it takes to deliver Mr President.”
Fubara expressed delight over the completion of the project, stating that the initiative was to provide accommodation, a basic need of life for public servants in the state to improve their productivity.
He explained that lack of effective social welfare was at the root of some incriminating actions that undermine the purpose of governance, noting that the commissioning of the newly built Permanent Secretaries Quarters marks a significant milestone in civil service welfare and institutional development.
“Insecurity begins when individuals are uncertain of what the next hour holds. This situation is especially challenging for family men and women, affecting confidence and decision-making,” he observed.
Fubara emphasized the need for proper maintenance of the facility and urged the beneficiaries to protect the project like a personal property, while directing the State Head of Service to appoint a facility manager to ensure long-term maintenance.
In her remarks, the Special Guest of Honour and Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who unveiled the project, expressed appreciation to the governor and Rivers State for inviting her to commission the project.
She commended Fubara for prioritizing the welfare of Permanent Secretaries who are senior public servants and accounting officers, noting that the project reflects purposeful and visionary leadership, and urged other states to borrow a cue from the Rivers State Governor.
Walson-Jack described the initiative as a strategic investment in staff welfare and institutional continuity which she noted is in line with Renewed Hope Initiative on provision of mass housing and social stability.
“The commissioning of these houses reflect a deliberate commitment to the dignity, welfare, and productivity of senior public servants responsible for policy coordination and service delivery,” she said.
In his goodwill message, the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibode Bashiru, who led a high powered delegation on a visit to the governor, congratulated Rivers people for aligning with the Pan Nigerian political party, assuring that the interest of Rivers State will be duly protected in the APC.
He described President Bola Tinubu as a detribalised Nigerian who anchors his leadership on equity, fairness and justice, adding that the APC will provide a level playing ground for all.
The APC chief scribe also commended Fubara for providing good accommodation for public servants, stating that it will address issues of sabotage, compromise and disloyalty on the part of public servants.
Giving the project description, Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, said the estate comprises 29 units, including nine standalone duplexes and 20 terrace buildings.
Facilities feature a water treatment plant, synchronized power generators, CCTV and alarm systems, a gym, recreational areas, and green spaces—designed to enhance comfort, performance, and productivity.
Earlier, the Head of the Rivers State Civil Service, Dr Mrs Inyingi Brown, had thanked the governor for his visionary initiative and unwavering commitment to the welfare of Rivers State Civil Servants, and restated the commitment of the State civil servants to the success of Fubara’s administration.
By: Taneh Beemene