By Daniel Agbor
In a determined move to consolidate unity and restore political harmony within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akamkpa Local Government Area, leaders, elders and critical stakeholders of the party on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, gathered at the State Library Complex, Calabar, for a high level reconciliation and strategic stakeholders’ meeting aimed at strengthening the party ahead of future elections.
The meeting, convened at the instance of the APC chapter in Akamkpa, attracted an impressive assembly of political leaders and stakeholders from across the local government area, underscoring the growing commitment within the party to close ranks and reposition the APC for greater cohesion and electoral dominance.
Among dignitaries in attendance were the Chairman of Akamkpa Local Government Council, Hon. Amb. (Ophot) Felix Akposi KSJI, the APC Chapter Chairman in Akamkpa, Hon. Fidelis Awor, and the Vice Chairman of Council, Hon. Mrs. Emilia Katame. Also present were the Commissioner for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Hon. Emmanuel Anom; the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Hon. Dr. Pius Ankpo Edet; members representing Akamkpa I and Akamkpa II State Constituencies, Hon. Okon Owuna and Hon. Linus Etim, alongside party elders, ward chairmen, youth leaders and other influential stakeholders.
Addressing the gathering, the Chairman of Akamkpa Local Government Council, Hon. Felix Akposi, commended the APC Chapter Chairman, Hon. Fidelis Awor, for what he described as his foresight, ingenuity and courage in convening the reconciliation meeting at a crucial moment in the political history of the party in Akamkpa.
According to him, the APC in Akamkpa remains one indivisible political family whose strength lies in its ability to resolve internal disagreements through dialogue, understanding and collective responsibility whenever misunderstandings arise.
He observed that political developments in recent months had generated avoidable tension, emotional sentiments and visible divisions within the party structure, stressing however that the intervention of the Governor, coupled with the proactive disposition of the chapter leadership, had become a timely and necessary step towards rebuilding trust, restoring confidence and reuniting aggrieved members within the APC fold.
“Our successes tomorrow are determined by the precedent we set today, and if we must deliver on our promises to the Governor and secure victories in the Presidential, Governorship, Senate, House of Representatives and House of Assembly elections, then reconciliation and peace remain the indispensable antidote for such success,” he stated.
“This gathering presents us with another opportunity to heal our wounds, embrace peace, renew our brotherhood and work together as one united progressive family committed to the advancement of Akamkpa,” he added.
Earlier in his opening remarks, the APC Chapter Chairman, Hon. Fidelis Awor, expressed profound appreciation to leaders and stakeholders who honoured the invitation despite their demanding schedules, noting that their presence reflected the collective desire of the people of Akamkpa to enthrone peace, mutual respect and political stability within the party.
He explained that the reconciliation and pre-primary briefing meeting was carefully designed to provide a platform for members to freely ventilate their grievances, articulate concerns and make meaningful contributions capable of fostering genuine reconciliation and sustainable peace within the APC family in Akamkpa.
According to him, the gathering also afforded party leaders and stakeholders the opportunity to collectively examine the underlying causes of recent disagreements, advise one another where necessary and chart a pragmatic pathway towards resolving lingering political differences in the overall interest of party unity and future electoral success.
The atmosphere of the meeting was marked by frank discussions, emotional reflections and renewed commitments towards healing perceived divisions within the party structure.
Other prominent dignitaries at the meeting included the former Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Itaya Nyong; Chairman of the Forestry Commission, Rt. Hon. George Oben-Etchi; the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Environment, Mr. Magnus Ntui; ward chairmen, elders of the party, youth leaders and several other stakeholders who deliberated extensively on practical pathways towards lasting peace, reconciliation and political stability in Akamkpa.
Stakeholders at the meeting unanimously maintained that unity within the APC remains the most critical requirement for sustaining electoral victories across all levels in future elections. They stressed the need for members to see themselves as one political family and work collectively towards securing victories for the President, the Governor, the Senatorial candidate, the House of Representatives candidate as well as candidates for Akamkpa I and Akamkpa II State Constituencies.
According to the leaders, only a sincere, proactive and pragmatic reconciliation process can guarantee enduring peace, political stability and sustainable success for the party in Akamkpa.
They further commended party faithful and stakeholders who attended the meeting despite the short notice, describing their commitment as a clear demonstration of loyalty to the APC and genuine concern for the future of the party.
In a moment that resonated deeply with many participants, the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Hon. Dr. Pius Ankpo Edet, offered prayers for blessings upon Akamkpa Local Government Area.
Several stakeholders who spoke during the deliberations, including Hon. Emmanuel Anom, Mr. Magnus Ndifon, Prof. Paul Itari, Hon. Titi Ndifon, Maurice Ajom, Mrs. Josephine Ephraim and the former Vice Chairman of Akamkpa Local Government Area, Hon. Angela Effiong, passionately called for sincerity, forgiveness, tolerance and genuine reconciliation among party faithful.
They articulated various concerns, grievances and recommendations on the most effective approaches towards reconciling aggrieved members, rebuilding confidence and strengthening party cohesion ahead of future political engagements.
The meeting equally witnessed emotional and symbolic moments as the two members representing Akamkpa State Constituencies, Hon. Okon Owuna and Hon. Linus Etim, openly tendered apologies to party leaders and stakeholders over actions, utterances and political misunderstandings that may have offended individuals either directly or indirectly during the height of recent political tensions.
Hon. Linus Etim, in particular, apologised to the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure over what he described as an emotional outburst during the peak of political disagreements, acknowledging that such actions were regrettable and unnecessary.
As part of efforts to deepen the reconciliation process beyond the meeting hall, leaders and elders were advised to return to their respective wards and communities to interface directly with party faithful and grassroots supporters in order to consolidate the peace process and promote unity at all levels of the party structure.
Political leaders were also charged to address their supporters and followers on the need to demonstrate greater respect for constituted authority, public offices, leadership positions and the sanctity of the human person.
Stakeholders strongly condemned all forms of insults, online and offline attacks, invectives, diatribes, emotional abuse and acts capable of heating up the polity or threatening the peace that Akamkpa has enjoyed over the years, particularly among youths and supporters within the party.
The gathering further briefed members on modalities for the forthcoming House of Assembly primaries, including expectations regarding participation and attendance.
The reconciliation meeting eventually ended on a hopeful and forward looking note, with renewed commitments by party leaders, elders and stakeholders to close ranks, strengthen internal democracy, deepen political tolerance and collectively sustain the dominance of the APC in Akamkpa Local Government Area and beyond.
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