APC Stakeholders in Akwa Ibom Reject Consensus Arrangement for Assembly Seat

Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, have rejected moves to adopt a consensus candidate for the Ikot Ekpene/Obot Akara State House of Assembly seat ahead of the party’s primaries.

In a communiqué issued on Thursday, the stakeholders described the proposed automatic ticket as undemocratic and a violation of the party’s constitution and the Electoral Act 2026.

The rejection follows reports that Governor Umo Eno had directed party leaders to adopt a consensus candidate for the forthcoming primaries.

Speaking at a press conference in Ikot Ekpene, the group’s spokesperson, Ubong Amadu, insisted that the consensus arrangement undermines the will of the majority. He called for an inclusive and credible process through open and direct primaries.

“We vehemently reject the imposition of consensus candidacy or automatic ticket for any aspirant,” the communiqué read in part. “Adopting such an arrangement would amount to imposition, exclusion of other aspirants, and a breach of internal democratic principles.”

The stakeholders, however, declared support for the second-term bids of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Governor Umo Eno, citing their performance in office.

They noted that their support was based on performance and not on sentiment or external pressure.