Confusion as Akwa Ibom APC Chairman Beaten to Death Over Cash Dispute at Defection Meeting
By: Israel Adeleke
OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News reports as gathered that tension grips Ukanafun Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State as the Ward 2 Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. John Monday Marcus, was killed during a violent clash involving members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and disgruntled APC supporters.
OTN News further reports as gathered that the deadly altercation reportedly stemmed from a political fallout following the recent defection of Governor Umo Eno from the PDP to the APC, a move that has unsettled party structures in the state and triggered a series of confrontations at the grassroots level.
According to reports by LEADERSHIP, a local politician who also recently crossed over to the APC had donated a sum of money as a goodwill gesture to grassroots leaders from both parties.
However, Marcus allegedly took control of the donation in a manner that angered other attendees, sparking violence at the venue of the political meeting.
Eyewitness, Mfon Akpan, recounted the incident, saying, “Even some APC members were annoyed by his action and descended on him, smashing his head with broken bottles, leading to a free-for-all fight.”
Akpan added that the chairman died on the spot from his injuries, and his remains have since been deposited at a mortuary.
The confrontation reportedly involved both PDP loyalists who resisted following Governor Eno into the APC, and frustrated APC members who felt betrayed by Marcus’ actions.
“This tragic incident reflects the deepening political rivalry and breakdown in party cohesion following the governor’s defection,” one local political analyst noted.
OTN News observes from the information gathered that, the crisis has further intensified with reports that Governor Eno now exercises influence over both APC and PDP structures in Akwa Ibom, in a bid to consolidate power ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Reacting to the tragedy, the Publicity Secretary of the APC in Ukanafun, Hon. Stanley Sunday Peter, described the late Marcus as “a committed party loyalist whose unwavering dedication to the growth and unity of the APC will be sorely missed.”
He added that the loss is a “painful reminder of the fragility of life and the need for political maturity.”
Confirming the incident, the Akwa Ibom State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, assured the public that an investigation is underway.
“Yes, we are aware of the incident and investigation is ongoing to bring perpetrators of the crime to book,” she said.
The killing has, however, drawn condemnation from across party lines and raised concerns about increasing political violence in the state as tensions simmer in the buildup to future elections.
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