“2027 Showdown: APC Allies Protest Against Consensus Candidacy for Akwa Ibom Assembly Seat”
In anticipation of the All Progressives Congress (APC) State House of Assembly primaries in Akwa Ibom State, political actors in the Ikot Ekpene state constituency have dismissed any form of consensus candidacy or automatic ticket allocation to an unpopular aspirant for the Ikot-Ekpene/Obot Akara State constituency position.
They emphasized that such a move is not only undemocratic but would also make the party susceptible to loss in the general elections if a less favored candidate is selected.
It is noteworthy that the governor, Pastor Umo Eno, had in various forums urged party stakeholders to collectively and amicably choose any individual of their preference to represent the party at the primaries.
During a press conference on Thursday, following a strategic stakeholders’ meeting of APC on Wednesday, they asserted that a direct primary is the sole transparent, democratic, and equitable approach that would accurately represent the desires of the populace, as delegates and party members should be given the chance to freely exercise their democratic rights without coercion, inducement, or imposition.
Former APC Assistant Secretary, Umoh Amadu, who addressed the stakeholders, expressed disappointment at the effort by a few individuals to impose a candidate who, according to them, lacks real grassroots support, adding that such action “is contrary and unwelcome.”
Amadu indicated that their stance against the consensus candidacy was not designed to attack or endorse anyone but to advocate for the interests of the two local governments and permit the most qualified individual from the region to emerge through direct primary.
While affirming their support for the reelection of President Bola Tinubu, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and Governor Umo Eno based on their performances, Amadu stated that the people of Ikot Ekpene/Obot Akara were not prepared to re-elect any representative who has performed poorly.
He proclaimed, “APC Stakeholders in Ikot Ekpene firmly oppose the undemocratic agenda of consensus candidacy/automatic ticket for any candidate seeking the Ikot Ekpene/Obot Akara State Constituency position in the upcoming All Progressives Congress (APC) State House of Assembly primaries.
“Any process like consensus, which grants a select few individuals the authority to bypass the majority’s wishes in order to impose candidates who often lack sincere grassroots backing, is contrary to internal democratic principles and an unjust infringement of fair play, as outlined in the APC constitution and the Electoral Act 2026.
“We urge our leaders not to sacrifice the entire community for personal gains. They should permit the popular candidate to win our primary so that during the general election, we can secure our State constituency and support our Governor.
“This press conference is not intended to criticize anyone or promote the interests of a specific candidate, but rather to champion the interests of Ikot Ekpene/Obot Akara State constituency, so that we can benefit from full democratic returns.
“While we wholeheartedly pledge our unwavering support for our party, the APC, we assert that our party can only be cohesive and progressive if justice, equity, and regard for the democratic rights of all members are given adequate consideration.”
