‘Stop misleading the Senate’ APGA fires at Enyinnaya Abaribe

The Abia State chapter of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has accused Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe of misrepresenting his status, insisting he was suspended, and not expelled from the party.

At a briefing in Umuahia, state chairman Ambassador Sunday Onukwubiri, alongside key party figures, said the senator’s suspension stemmed from alleged anti-party conduct. They challenged him to provide proof of his claimed expulsion and urged Senate leadership to act if he refuses to resign.

“This is not a witch-hunt. We are acting in good conscience. Senator Abaribe betrayed the party and should relinquish the mandate,” the party said.

APGA maintained that Abaribe later resigned voluntarily after failing to respond to allegations. “He was invited to respond to allegations but failed to do so. He later resigned and is now attempting to mislead the public by claiming he was sacked,” a party chieftain added.

The party further argued that his continued stay in the Senate lacks legal backing, stressing that the mandate belongs to the party and voters, not the individual office holder.

Responding, Abaribe dismissed the claims and argued that his indefinite suspension effectively pushed him out of the party. “When you place someone on indefinite suspension for over six months, what does that mean? It simply means the person no longer belongs to the party,” he said.

He also described allegations that he sought to obtain a dismissal letter as “scandalous and insulting,” adding, “My name is Enyinnaya Abaribe. There are certain things you should know I cannot do.”

The senator, who represents Abia South, insisted his electoral success was based on personal support and questioned why his defection should attract consequences when others have acted similarly.