Political stakeholders in the Ikot Ekpene State Constituency have firmly rejected any attempts to impose a consensus candidate or issue an automatic ticket for the All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Assembly primaries in Akwa Ibom State. During a press conference held in Ikot Ekpene on Thursday, former APC Assistant Secretary Umoh Amadu emphasized that stakeholders are united in their demand for a direct primary. He described this method as the only transparent and democratic process that enables delegates and party members to freely select their preferred candidate without intimidation, inducement, or imposition.
The stakeholders clarified that their stance is not intended to promote or attack any individual but rather to protect the interests of Ikot Ekpene and Obot Akara local government areas. They insisted that only a candidate with genuine grassroots support should emerge through a fair and open process. This position stands in contrast to earlier calls from Governor Umo Eno for party stakeholders to select a consensus candidate peacefully. The stakeholders expressed concern that such an arrangement would undermine internal democracy and could jeopardize the party’s chances in the general election if an unpopular candidate is imposed.
While expressing their support for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and Governor Eno based on their performances, the stakeholders warned that Ikot Ekpene/Obot Akara would not endorse any candidate who has failed to deliver during previous tenures. Amadu pleaded with their leaders, stating, “We cannot sacrifice the entire community for personal gain. Let the popular candidate emerge through direct primary so that we can win the State Constituency seat and support our governor in the general election.”
The stakeholders characterized consensus candidacy as “antithetical to internal democratic ethos” and a violation of both the APC constitution and the Electoral Act 2022. They stressed the importance of justice, fairness, and respect for the democratic rights of all party members in maintaining unity and progress within the party.
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