RismadarVoice Reporters, May 16, 2026
Some aspirants allegedly disqualified from contesting the All Progressives Congress, APC, State House of Assembly primaries in Akwa Ibom State have accused the party leadership of manipulation, favoritism and violation of internal democratic processes.
The aggrieved aspirants made the allegations during a press conference held in Uyo on Thursday, where they claimed the screening and appeal processes were compromised to favour selected candidates.
The group, which described itself as “Concerned Disqualified APC House of Assembly Aspirants,” alleged that the crisis began after the defection of Governor Umo Eno and his political structure into the APC.
According to them, party principles of fairness, justice and equal opportunity have since been undermined by impunity and intimidation.
The aspirants alleged that nomination and expression of interest forms, despite being paid for by several aspirants, were initially withheld and made available only to serving members of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly at the residence of the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong.
They claimed intervention from the APC National Secretariat in Abuja later compelled the state leadership to release the forms to other aspirants.
The group further alleged that the state party leadership conducted secret screenings outside the official timetable approved by the party’s national headquarters.
According to the aspirants, another intervention by the national leadership led to a fresh screening exercise held on May 11, 2026.
However, they accused the state chapter of subsequently issuing what they described as an unsigned and questionable list of cleared and disqualified aspirants without stating reasons for the disqualifications.
The aspirants also alleged that an appeal process announced by the party did not take place, claiming the supposed venue for the exercise was locked and deserted when they arrived.
They called on the APC national leadership to intervene and ensure transparency in the screening process.
Among their demands were the withdrawal of the alleged disqualification list, publication of authentic screening results, a credible appeal process and protection of internal democracy within the party.
The group maintained that their protest was not against the APC but against what they described as injustice and politically motivated exclusion within the party in Akwa Ibom State.
