State chairmen of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the South-South have dismissed allegations that Senate President Godswill Akpabio orchestrated a smear campaign against former Akwa Ibom Governor Udom Emmanuel.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, had accused Akpabio of being behind Emmanuel’s invitation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the subsequent media attention.
However, in a press release over the weekend, the South-South APC chairmen described the allegation as “baseless, mischievous, and chauvinistic.”
They further accused the PDP of being in turmoil due to its internal crises and attempting to shift blame for its misfortunes onto others.
“This accusation comes amidst the PDP’s internal struggles, which have been evident since its ousting in 2015.
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“The APC emphasizes that Udom Emmanuel’s administration is currently under scrutiny for alleged corruption and mismanagement of state resources, and notes that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has previously investigated other former governors, including Obong Victor Attah and Senator Godswill Akpabio himself”, they said.
The party leaders expressed their total trust and confidence in Senator Akpabio’s leadership and integrity, and urged the PDP to focus on playing the role of a responsible opposition party.
The APC called on the PDP to desist from spreading falsehood and to channel its energies towards providing constructive criticisms and viable alternative leadership.
“Furthermore, the APC advises the PDP to field a gubernatorial candidate in the forthcoming election in Anambra State, rather than trying to destabilize the Senate using Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to cause trouble.
“It is worth noting that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has been involved in a recent controversy surrounding allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Akpabio.