By George Ozalla
A political group in Esit Eket Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Ward 9 New Era, has dismissed the reported suspension of Rt Hon Eseme Eyiboh, describing it as unfounded and without standing.
Eyiboh, former member and spokesperson of the House of Representatives and now Special Adviser to the President of the Senate on Media and Publicity, Senator Godswill Akpabio, was accused by some party actors of anti-party conduct.
The claim followed a stakeholders’ meeting held on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, in Esit Eket, where Eyiboh joined other political stakeholders and community leaders to express support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Governor Umo Eno, Senator Ekong Sampson, and Hon. Okpolupm Ikpong Etteh.
The gathering drew participants across political divides and non-partisan indigenes, with discussions centred on local development and continued political alignment in the area.
A statement issued by Johnny Nsoh, who said he acted for the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Ward 9 in Esit Eket, announced Eyiboh’s suspension over the meeting.
Ward 9 New Era rejected the claim, saying it carries no validity within the structure and practice of the party.
The group questioned the basis for linking a community stakeholders’ meeting to anti-party activity, and noted that the gathering was not restricted to any political bloc. It also queried the authority under which Ward 9 party figures acted on a matter involving a broader local government engagement.
It further raised concerns about the status of APC structures in the area, pointing to the absence of fully constituted or formally inaugurated executives in several wards and chapters, and argued that disciplinary action without due process and fair hearing has no foundation.
In a joint position attributed to former Ward 9 councillors and APC chieftains, Hon Okon Bassey Iyanam and Hon Okon Edoho, Ward 9 New Era maintained that the reported suspension holds no effect and should be disregarded by party members in Esit Eket.
