A political advocacy group, the PDP Advocates of Peace and Justice (PAPAJ), has issued a strong warning to the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom State, Aniekan Akpan, urging him to stop attending events linked to the All Progressives Congress (APC) or resign from his position.

In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Dr. Tom FredFish, and released in Uyo on Friday, the group accused Akpan of undermining the PDP’s interests by frequently showing up at political programmes that promote the APC. PAPAJ described the move as “contrary to political culture and party loyalty anywhere in the world.”

The group’s criticism comes in the wake of Governor Umo Eno’s recent defection to the APC. According to PAPAJ, Akpan’s closeness to the governor and his involvement in APC-aligned events are sending the wrong message at a time the PDP needs firm, independent leadership to keep the party united.

“Mr. Akpan cannot imitate the behavior of politicians who try to belong to two political parties at once,” FredFish said. “He must either focus on rebuilding the PDP or step aside. There is no moral or political justification for him to attend events, such as the Arise Agenda, that openly promote APC policies in the state.”

The group further alleged that the PDP chairman was “acting like the hallelujah boy” of the APC by wearing emblems associated with the ruling party in Akwa Ibom.

PAPAJ called on the Acting National Chairman of the PDP, Ambassador Umar Damagum, to intervene quickly, warning that the party risks further weakening if the matter is not addressed.

“The PDP needs sincere and result-oriented leadership,” FredFish added. “Mr. Akpan should retreat from APC activities or resign.”