APC Media Network Dismisses Allegations Against Senate President, Sets Record Straight on 2019 Election

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Media Network has firmly rejected what it described as “malicious and baseless” calls for Senate President Godswill Akpabio to resign, over allegations tied to the 2019 Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District election.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, and signed by its Director General, Otuekong Iniobong John, the group insisted that the allegations were founded on misinformation.

“Professor Peter Ogban did not rig the election in favor of Senator Godswill Akpabio,” the statement declared. “On the contrary, Senator Akpabio was the victim of electoral manipulation carried out by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) against the APC during that election.”

The APC Media Network reiterated that Senator Akpabio challenged the declaration of PDP’s Senator Chris Ekpenyong as the winner. The Court of Appeal eventually nullified the result and ordered a rerun. However, Akpabio withdrew from the rerun to focus on his responsibilities as Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, a decision the APC views as a mark of his dedication to national service.

“Anyone claiming that Professor Ogban manipulated the election to benefit Akpabio is either misinformed or intentionally spreading falsehoods,” the group added. “We urge Nigerians to ignore these baseless claims and focus on the established facts.”

Reaffirming its stance, the APC said it will continue to defend its leaders and members from what it described as “a coordinated campaign of blackmail and misinformation aimed at undermining the Senate President.”

The statement concluded with a call for unity and truth: “We urge all Nigerians to reject falsehoods and promote a culture of fact-based discourse. Only through truth, integrity, and accountability can we build a better nation.”