By George Ozalla
The controversy over the purported suspension of Rt. Hon. Eseme Eyiboh from the All Progressives Congress in Ward 9, Esit Eket Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State has moved to court, with a ward executive member alleging forgery and abuse of process in the disciplinary action.
An originating summons marked HOA/12/2026 was filed at the High Court of Akwa Ibom State, Oruk Anam Judicial Division, by Prophet Edet Ben, an ex-officio member of APC Ward 9, who accused the party and over 20 individuals of being involved in what he described as a falsified suspension exercise.
The matter came before Justice Nkereuwem M. Obot on May 14, 2026, on a motion ex parte, following claims that documents used to process the suspension were not only unauthorised but also contained forged signatures.
In supporting affidavits, the claimant stated that no ward meeting took place on April 22, 2026, as alleged by those behind the suspension. He also denied taking part in any deliberations or decisions to sanction Eyiboh, insisting that his name and signature were inserted without his knowledge or consent.
He further alleged that an attendance register and other internal party documents were falsified to give legitimacy to the exercise and subsequently circulated to party authorities.
Joined in the suit are the All Progressives Congress, Johnny Nsoh, Comfort Okon Sunday, Ndifreke Warrie, Hon. Iniedehe Ibok, Sunday Ben, and several others from Akpa Utong Group of Villages and Urua Okok Village in Ward 9.
Court proceedings showed that the claimant was represented by counsel, while some defendants were absent and others appeared through legal representatives. Details of any interim order were not immediately made available.
The disputed suspension of Eyiboh, Special Adviser to the Senate President on Media and Publicity, had been announced by a faction within Ward 9 over alleged anti party conduct.
The development has drawn reactions within the local party structure, with stakeholders questioning the basis of the action and the process leading to it.
A political group, Ward Nine New Era, rejected the suspension, describing it as improper and lacking due process. The group also raised concerns over what it termed selective discipline within Ward 9, arguing that other participants in the same political engagements were not sanctioned.
The matter is expected to proceed for hearing.
