APC Stakeholders in Akwa Ibom Say No to Automatic Ticket for Assembly Seat

APC Stakeholders in Akwa Ibom Say No to Automatic Ticket for Assembly Seat

Political tension is brewing in Akwa Ibom as All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders in Ikot Ekpene push back against plans for a consensus candidate in the Ikot Ekpene/Obot Akara State House of Assembly race. The group insists that imposing an automatic ticket violates democratic principles and the party’s own rules.

On Tuesday, April 16, 2026, APC stakeholders from Ikot Ekpene met to address growing concerns within the party. In a communiqué released Thursday at Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, Ikot Ekpene, they rejected reports that Governor Umo Eno had directed party leaders to adopt a single consensus candidate for the upcoming primaries.

Speaking for the group, former APC Assistant Secretary Ubong Amadu said the consensus arrangement undermines the will of the majority. “We vehemently reject the imposition of consensus candidacy or automatic ticket for any aspirant seeking to contest the Ikot Ekpene/Obot Akara State Constituency seat,” the communiqué stated.

Instead, they are demanding “an inclusive and credible process through open and direct primaries, where the most popular and credible aspirant will emerge to represent the constituency.”

Amadu stressed that the party can only stay united and progressive when justice, fairness, and members’ democratic rights are respected.

Interestingly, while opposing the assembly seat consensus, the same stakeholders declared strong support for the second-term bids of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Governor Umo Eno.

Their reason? Performance. The communiqué noted support for Tinubu to “consolidate ongoing reforms across critical sectors,” for Akpabio to continue leading the National Assembly, and for Eno “in recognition of his commitment to the development of Akwa Ibom State.” They emphasized that this support is based on track record, not sentiment or external pressure.

The clash highlights a key debate in Nigerian politics: consensus vs. direct primaries. As parties prep for 2027, how they handle internal democracy could decide unity or division at the grassroots. For voters in Ikot Ekpene/Obot Akara, the demand for open primaries may mean more aspirants on the ballot and a fiercer contest for the Assembly seat.

APC members in Ikot Ekpene want choice, not imposition. The outcome of this standoff could set the tone for party primaries across Akwa Ibom State.

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