Youths from the Ikot Abasi Federal Constituency have rejected any attempt by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to grant an automatic ticket for the Senate seat in Akwa Ibom South, calling instead for open primaries and a level playing field for all aspirants.
During a peaceful protest at the Ikot Abasi council headquarters on Friday, youths from Mkpat Enin, Eastern Obolo, and Ikot Abasi local government areas urged the party to uphold an inclusive and credible democratic process ahead of the primaries.
Protesters carried placards with messages such as “We would choose our leaders,” “Fairness, Equality and Transparency,” “The voice of Ikot Abasi Federal Constituency Youths matters,” “We support Pastor Umo Eno for 2nd term, We support Tinubu for 2nd term,” “Open primaries will bring more support for APC,” “We say no automatic ticket for Senate seat,” “No automatic ticket for a senator that is not performing,” and “We stand on the decision of Eket senatorial district.”
Youth leader Ayan Richard commended party stakeholders for declaring the Eket Senatorial District contest open to all qualified aspirants while micro-zoning the race to candidates from the Ikot Abasi Federal Constituency.
He warned, however, that the youths would firmly resist any attempt to impose an automatic ticket on “a non-performing senator,” stressing that leadership must emerge through a transparent and competitive process.
“The future of our constituency cannot be decided behind closed doors. The people must choose their leaders,” he said.
Richard noted that Ikot Abasi Federal Constituency has credible sons and daughters who could emerge as senatorial candidates in the upcoming APC primary later this month, adding that allowing the incumbent, Senator Ekong Sampson, to continue unopposed would undermine the party’s credibility and popularity.
Media Talk Africa reports that the incumbent senator, Ekong Sampson, who is currently seeking a second term, enjoys support from some stakeholders in the senatorial district, who emphasize the need for experienced and competent leadership.
Meanwhile, Akparawa Friday Akpan Jack called on young people, women, and stakeholders across the constituency to unite and reject what he termed the reinforcement of failure under the guise of an automatic ticket.
