ESSIEN UDIM – The African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate for the Essien Udim State Constituency seat in the forthcoming Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly election, Mrs. Inemesit Nkereuwem, has raised the alarm over alleged threats and intimidation targeted at her family, accusing her political rival, Hon. Prince Ukpong Akpabio, of attempting to frustrate her political ambition.
Speaking during a telephone interview on Sunday, Mrs. Nkereuwem alleged that her husband was arrested and detained following a dispute linked to the circulation of a voice note on social media platforms in Essien Udim Local Government Area.
According to her, the voice note was originally posted by another individual on an Essien Udim WhatsApp platform before her husband allegedly copied and shared it on another platform where he is a member.
She claimed that the development angered Prince Akpabio, who allegedly sent individuals to her residence, damaged part of the property and subsequently orchestrated the arrest of her husband.
“My husband has been in custody since Friday. I believe this is an attempt to frustrate me politically because he knows my husband has been supporting my ambition,” she alleged.
Mrs. Nkereuwem further claimed that Prince Akpabio had previously obstructed opportunities for her husband during the administration of former Governor Udom Emmanuel, alleging that an appointment reportedly being considered for him was thwarted.
Questioning what she described as a persistent hostility towards her family, the ADC candidate called on residents of Essien Udim to demand explanations from the lawmaker.
She appealed for the immediate release of her husband, insisting that Prince Akpabio should focus on identifying the original source of the controversial voice note rather than targeting her family.
“Prince Akpabio knows those responsible for the voice note. He should leave my husband alone and face those fighting him,” she said.
Meanwhile, sources familiar with the matter alleged that political tensions between the two aspirants have intensified as preparations for the constituency election gather momentum.
A source close to the Akpabio family claimed that disagreements arising from the circulation of the voice note and subsequent exchanges between the parties may have contributed to the incident that led to the husband’s arrest and detention at the State Police Headquarters, Ikot Akpan Abia.
The source further alleged that Mrs. Nkereuwem’s husband became involved in a confrontation after rejecting alleged threats directed at the wife, who is the ADC candidate.
As of press time, Hon. Prince Ukpong Akpabio had not publicly responded to the allegations.
Similarly, the Akwa Ibom State Police Command had yet to issue an official statement on the circumstances surrounding the arrest and detention of Mrs. Nkereuwem’s husband.
The allegations remain claims by the parties involved and have not been independently verified.
