The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akwa Ibom State has rebutted malicious, fabricated and cowardly smear campaign targeted at the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Obongemem Ekperikpe Ekpo.

In a strongly worded statement issued by its State Publicity Secretary, Barrister Oto-Abasi Udoh on Saturday and made available to newsmen in Uyo, the APC dismissed the so-called “news report” circulated by faceless “stalwarts,” describing it as a “master-class in fiction, specializing in forgery and blackmail.”

According to the statement, “These frauds are gutless cowards hiding under fake names and phantom claims.

“They are nowhere in our membership registers, grassroots structures or verifiable party activities. Their so-called letter, dated August 18, 2025, reeks of amateur forgery, riddled with inconsistencies and lacking any shred of authenticity.

“No true APC member in Akwa Ibom State would ever stoop so low,” the statement added.

The party reaffirmed that, Hon. Ekpo remains one of the strongest pillars of the party in Akwa Ibom and a shining example of leadership in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s cabinet.

It praised his role in spearheading critical gas sector reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda, which are already attracting unprecedented investment and driving Nigeria towards energy independence.

“Far from being a liability, Obongemem Ekpo is a grassroots general, unifier and result-oriented leader whose track record speaks volumes. He has consistently delivered electoral victories, empowered communities and strengthened APC’s dominance in Akwa Ibom.

His integrity is unblemished, his loyalty unwavering and his leadership unmatched,” Udo declared.

The Publicity Secretary however dismissed claims of rifts between Minister Ekpo, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, or Governor Umo Eno as “fictional propaganda concocted by mischief makers who envy his rising profile and fear his towering achievements.”

“Henceforth, any attempt to blackmail or tarnish the reputation of our leaders will be met with the full weight of the law. We will unmask them and their sponsors to face the consequences of their malicious actions.”

While reaffirming loyalty to President Tinubu, Senate President Akpabio, Governor Eno and party said, APC in Akwa Ibom is unshakably united, solidly strong and fully prepared to deliver resounding victories in 2027 as propaganda can derail our commitment toward progress.