Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, have rejected plans to adopt a consensus candidate for the Ikot Ekpene/Obot Akara State House of Assembly seat, insisting on open primaries.
The position was contained in a communiqué issued after a stakeholders’ meeting held on Tuesday to address key issues affecting the party in the area.
The stakeholders were reacting to reports that Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, had directed party leaders to adopt a consensus candidate for the forthcoming primaries.
However, speaking at a press conference in Ikot Ekpene on Thursday, a former APC Assistant Secretary, Mr Ubong Amadu, who read the communiqué, said such an arrangement undermines democratic principles.
“Having noted with concern the alleged plan by some individuals to impose a preferred candidate through the unpopular and undemocratic process of consensus, this stakeholders’ meeting became necessary,” he said.
Rejection of consensus
The stakeholders firmly opposed any move to impose candidates, warning that it would alienate party members and violate established rules.
“We, the APC stakeholders in Ikot Ekpene, vehemently reject the imposition of consensus candidacy or automatic ticket for any aspirant seeking to contest the Ikot Ekpene/Obot Akara State Constituency seat in the forthcoming primaries,” Mr Amadu said.
They added, “Adopting such an arrangement would amount to imposition, the exclusion of other aspirants, and a breach of internal democratic principles, as well as the provisions of the APC constitution and the Electoral Act 2026.”
Call for direct primaries
The group emphasised the need for transparency and inclusiveness, calling for direct primaries to determine the party’s candidate.
“We therefore demand an inclusive and credible process through open and direct primaries, where the most popular and credible aspirant will emerge to represent the constituency,” the communiqué stated.
They maintained that fairness and internal democracy are critical to the party’s unity and long-term success.
“While we reaffirm our loyalty to the APC, we emphasise that the party can only remain united and progressive where justice, fairness, and respect for the democratic rights of members are upheld.”
Endorsements
Despite their concerns, the stakeholders declared support for key political leaders, including President Bola Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Governor Eno.
“We express our overwhelming support for the second-term bids of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Governor Umo Eno in recognition of their impactful and performance-driven leadership,” Mr Amadu said.
They added that their support is based on performance rather than sentiment.
“Our support for these leaders is based on performance and not on sentiment or external pressure.”
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