AAC expels governorship candidate in Akwa Ibom

It accused him of alleged insubordination and anti-party activities.

State chairman, Mr Utip Etiebiet, at a briefing in Uyo, said Otu grossly violated the party’s constitution.

The candidate was alleged to have carried out acts of insubordination to the party in his ward, Ini Local Government Area Chapter and the state chapter.

The party said Otu had formed a coalition of governorship candidates and used it to launch a series of petitions against the national leadership and state working committee of AAC.

He was also accused to have attempted to usurp the powers of the State Working Committee despite having no constitutional backing to do so.

A letter from Mr Otu, made available to newsmen, dated December 15, 2022, addressed to the AAC National Chairman, demanded that he be given the free hand to choose the state chairman, youth leader, publicity secretary, woman leader and financial secretary.

He also demanded that he be allowed to nominate the state central collation officer and all polling agents in the state.

These, the party said, are alien to the constitution of the party.

But, Otu, who featured in a governorship debate organised by a group of Akwa Ibom elders led by a former governor Obong Victor Attah, said he was not aware of his expulsion.

Speaking with reporters after the event, he denied knowledge of his sack from the party, saying it was not communicated to him.

He said he does not recognise the Utip Etiebiet-led state executive committee of the party.