The All Progressives Congress (APC) Media Network in Akwa Ibom State has strongly condemned former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for his recent comments attacking Senate President Godswill Akpabio, calling them reckless and unbecoming of a political figure of Atiku’s stature.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, APC’s Director-General Iniobong John described Atiku’s accusations of corruption and abuse against Akpabio as “reckless and inappropriate.”
Atiku had, in a recent interview, referred to Akpabio as a corrupt politician who had a history of abusing women, a claim the APC officials vehemently rejected.
John stated, “We find it necessary to respond to the recent remarks made by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar… such statements are reckless and unbecoming of a public figure of his standing.”
He further criticized Atiku’s own reputation, citing former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s autobiography, My Watch, where Obasanjo accused Atiku of abusing his office to acquire national assets fraudulently.
“Historically, Atiku Abubakar is recognised as the most corrupt politician in Nigeria,” John added.
In defense of Akpabio, John lauded his political career, highlighting his tenure as governor of Akwa Ibom State as one marked by visionary policies and lasting development.
“Senator Akpabio’s tenure as Governor of Akwa Ibom State was marked by visionary policies and tangible development projects,” John said.
John also dismissed the allegations of corruption made by suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Akpabio, labeling them “thoroughly discredited.”
Despite attempts to reach Akpabio for comment, his media aide declined to speak, leaving the matter to continue as a source of political tension.
This verbal clash comes on the heels of Atiku’s remarks on the 2023 presidential election, where he expressed no regrets about his choice of running mate, former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, over Nyesom Wike.
Wike’s aide, Lere Olayinka, responded dismissively, saying Wike also had no regrets regarding the outcome of the election.