A pro-Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) group in Akwa Ibom State has rejected claims that the party has collapsed its structure in support of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.


The group, PDP Advocates for Peace and Justice (PAPA-J), issued the denial in a statement signed by its chairman, Dr. Tom FredFish, and secretary, Mr. Saviour Uko. 


It responded to reports that the PDP, along with other opposition parties, had endorsed the re-election bids of President Bola Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Governor Umo Eno.


PAPA-J described the reports as political fabrications intended to create a false impression of widespread acceptance and popularity for the APC in the state.


“PAPA-J wishes to state categorically that no legitimate PDP structure in any Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State has collapsed for the APC. 


The PDP remains a formidable political platform in the state, with structures, members, and supporters across the 31 Local Government Areas,” the statement said.


The group accused the APC of political desperation, claiming it was borrowing the PDP’s name and identity because of the opposition party’s lasting popularity among Akwa Ibom residents in a bid to secure votes for 2027.


It insisted that Akwa Ibom people are not politically naïve and would not be influenced by what it called selective political gatherings. 


PAPA-J also stated that the individual presented as the PDP chairman at one such event is not recognised by the party.


“The authentic leadership of the PDP in Akwa Ibom State is represented by the distinguished Hon. (Barr.) Igwat Umoren, and genuine PDP members should not be deceived by individuals or arrangements presented as party decisions when they do not emanate from the legitimate party structure,” the statement continued.


The group urged PDP members, supporters, and the public to disregard any political arrangements allegedly made in secret and later presented as the party’s official position. 


It challenged the APC to build its own structures and campaign on its own record instead of trying to appropriate the PDP’s identity and popularity.