Akpabio’s Former Chief of Staff Appointed as Akwa Ibom REC, Not Affiliated with APC, Say Party Leaders

• APC leaders in Akwa Ibom State reject claims of Etekarnba Umoren’s party affiliation, emphasizing his bureaucratic roles in government service
• They challenge critics to provide evidence of Umoren’s political party membership amid controversy surrounding his REC appointment

Amid recent controversy surrounding the appointment of Etekarnba Umoren as the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Akwa Ibom State, leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state have refuted claims suggesting his affiliation with the party.

Umoren previously served as the Chief of Staff to Senate President Godswill Akpabio during Akpabio’s tenure as the governor of Akwa Ibom State. His nomination was among those recently confirmed by the Senate, sparking public debate and criticism. Some critics alleged that Umoren is a member of the ruling APC and called for the withdrawal of his nomination.

However, the APC leaders in Akwa Ibom State have vehemently denied these allegations. They argue that Umoren’s previous roles, as Chief of Staff and Secretary to the State Government, were not tied to any specific political party but rather focused on serving the government in a bureaucratic and civil service capacity.

Eseme Eyiboh, who heads the Forum of the 2023 APC candidates in Akwa Ibom State, addressed the matter during a press briefing in Abuja on Sunday. He challenged those making claims about Umoren’s political affiliations to provide concrete evidence of his party membership.

Senate Confirms Auditor General, Akpabio’s Ally, Other 7 REC Nominees For INEC

As the auditor-general of the federation (AuGF), Shaakaa Chira (pictured) has been confirmed by the senate.

Furthermore, the upper legislative chamber approved the nomination of seven nominees to serve as the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs).

Aligning with Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Etekamba Umoren is one of the nominees.

The Nigerian Senate on Wednesday screened and confirmed seven nominees for the position of Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).