RismadarVoice Reporters, April 16, 2026
Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State have rejected any move to adopt consensus candidacy for the forthcoming State House of Assembly primaries, insisting instead on a transparent and inclusive direct primary process.
The position was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of a stakeholders’ meeting held on April 15, 2026.
The meeting, which drew party leaders from across the wards, focused onIkot Ekpene APC Stakeholders Reject Consensus Primaries
Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State have rejected any move to adopt consensus candidacy for the forthcoming State House of Assembly primaries, insisting instead on a transparent and inclusive direct primary process.
The position was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of a stakeholders’ meeting held on April 15, 2026.
The meeting, which drew party leaders from across the wards, focused on internal party affairs and strategies to strengthen unity ahead of the primaries.
The stakeholders stressed that democracy thrives on adherence to the rule of law and credible electoral processes, noting that direct primaries remain the most transparent and equitable method of candidate selection.
According to them, such a process allows party members to freely exercise their voting rights without intimidation or imposition.
They expressed strong opposition to what they described as a “rumoured plan” by some individuals to impose a candidate through consensus, warning that such a move would be undemocratic and contrary to the principles of fairness and internal democracy as enshrined in the APC constitution and the Electoral Act 2026.
The communiqué further noted that adopting consensus candidacy would amount to imposition and a deliberate attempt to sideline other aspirants, thereby undermining the collective will of party members in the Ikot Ekpene/Obot Akara State Constituency.
The group called for an open, credible, and participatory direct primary capable of producing a popular, competent, and service-oriented candidate to effectively represent the constituency.
While reaffirming their loyalty to the APC, the stakeholders maintained that unity and progress within the party can only be sustained through justice, fairness, and respect for the democratic rights of all members.
They also declared support for the second-term ambitions of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno, citing their leadership performance and commitment to governance as justification for their endorsement.
The communiqué was signed by Mr. Umoh Amadu and other leaders of the Ikot Ekpene APC stakeholders.
Meanwhile, during a question-and-answer session, a party chieftain, Chief Umoh Assiak, confirmed reports alleging that some youths in Ikot Ekpene were recently arrested on the orders of a member of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Jerry Otu.
Assiak, however, commended the Commissioner of Police for handling the situation with professionalism and civility.
He described Hon. Otu as an outgoing lawmaker. internal party affairs and strategies to strengthen unity ahead of the primaries.
The stakeholders stressed that democracy thrives on adherence to the rule of law and credible electoral processes, noting that direct primaries remain the most transparent and equitable method of candidate selection.
According to them, such a process allows party members to freely exercise their voting rights without intimidation or imposition.
They expressed strong opposition to what they described as a “rumoured plan” by some individuals to impose a candidate through consensus, warning that such a move would be undemocratic and contrary to the principles of fairness and internal democracy as enshrined in the APC constitution and the Electoral Act 2026.
The communiqué further noted that adopting consensus candidacy would amount to imposition and a deliberate attempt to sideline other aspirants, thereby undermining the collective will of party members in the Ikot Ekpene/Obot Akara State Constituency.
The group called for an open, credible, and participatory direct primary capable of producing a popular, competent, and service-oriented candidate to effectively represent the constituency.
While reaffirming their loyalty to the APC, the stakeholders maintained that unity and progress within the party can only be sustained through justice, fairness, and respect for the democratic rights of all members.
They also declared support for the second-term ambitions of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno, citing their leadership performance and commitment to governance as justification for their endorsement.
The communiqué was signed by Mr. Umoh Amadu and other leaders of the Ikot Ekpene APC stakeholders.
Meanwhile, during a question-and-answer session, a party chieftain, Chief Umoh Assiak, confirmed reports alleging that some youths in Ikot Ekpene were recently arrested on the orders of a member of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Jerry Otu.
Assiak, however, commended the Commissioner of Police for handling the situation with professionalism and civility.
He described Hon. Otu as an outgoing lawmaker.
