A’Ibom APC stakeholders reject consensus for assembly seat

In a move that underscores the internal dynamics of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akwa Ibom State, stakeholders from the Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District have publicly voiced their strong opposition to the imposition of a consensus candidate for the Ikot Ekpene/Obot Akara state House of Assembly seat. This stance directly challenges directives reportedly issued by Governor Umo Eno, signaling a potential rift within the party's local leadership.

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Having noted with dismay the proposed intention of some individuals to select their preferred candidate through the unpopular and undemocratic medium of consensus, the meeting of stakeholders in our area became necessary.

The stakeholders, speaking through their spokesperson Ubong Amadu, have unequivocally rejected the proposed consensus arrangement, deeming it undemocratic and a deliberate exclusion of other aspirants. Their communiqué emphasizes that such a process runs contrary to the party's constitution and the Electoral Act 2026, which they believe enshrine principles of fair play and internal democracy. This is a critical point for party members who feel their democratic rights are being sidelined.

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We, the APC stakeholders in Ikot Ekpene, vehemently reject the undemocratic agenda of consensus candidacy or automatic ticket for any aspirant for the Ikot Ekpene/Obot Akara State Constituency seat in the forthcoming All Progressives Congress state House of Assembly primaries.

From our perspective in Ikot Ekpene, the demand for open or direct primaries is not merely a procedural preference; it is a fundamental assertion of the right of party members to choose their representatives. The stakeholders' insistence on a credible democratic process where the most popular and service-oriented aspirant emerges reflects a desire for genuine representation and accountability. This contrasts sharply with the top-down approach that consensus politics can often represent, which can breed resentment and disunity.

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This is antithetical to internal democratic principles and a violation of the principles of fair play as enshrined in the APC constitution as well as the Electoral Act 2026.

While pledging their steadfast support for the APC, President Bola Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Governor Umo Eno, the stakeholders' primary concern remains the integrity of the electoral process at the grassroots level. Their call for justice, fairness, and respect for democratic rights is a powerful message that resonates deeply within the local political landscape, highlighting the importance of grassroots participation in party decision-making.

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While we pledge our steadfast support for our party, the APC, we emphasise that the party can only remain united and progressive if justice, fairness, and respect for the democratic rights of all members are upheld.