Akpabio: APC Media Network sets record straight on 2019 Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District Election, dismisses call for Senate President’s resignation

Akpabio

By EKONG BASSEY

The All Progressives Congress Media Network has responded to what it described as “malicious and baseless calls by certain unscrupulous groups and individuals for the Senate President to step down from office, predicated on falsehoods and misinformation surrounding the 2019 Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District election.”

Setting the records straight via a statement signed by its Director General, Otuekong Iniobong John, the group declared unequivocally: “Professor Peter Ogban did not rig the election in favor of Senator Godswill Akpabio. In fact, it is Senator Akpabio who fell victim to electoral malfeasance orchestrated by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) against the APC during that election.”

Continuing, the media group said in the statement issued yesterday, Wednesday, 7th May, 2025: “The facts of the matter are indisputable. Senator Akpabio contested the declaration and return of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Senator Chris Ekpenyong, as the election’s winner. The Court of Appeal subsequently nullified that election, ordering a rerun.

“However, Senator Akpabio, prioritizing his role as the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, opted to withdraw from participating in the rerun. This decision underscores his commitment to his ministerial duties and the welfare of the Niger Delta region.”

The statement noted that, “Those who advance the ludicrous claim that Professor Ogban manipulated the election results to benefit Senator Godswill Akpabio are either woefully misinformed or actively engaged in a deceitful campaign to mislead the public.” It implored the Nigerian populace “to dismiss these unfounded assertions and concentrate on the verifiable facts at hand.”