Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ikot Ekpene State Constituency, Akwa Ibom State, have rejected moves to adopt consensus candidacy ahead of the party’s State House of Assembly primaries.
The group warned that imposing a candidate or granting an automatic ticket to an unpopular aspirant could weaken the party’s chances in the general election.
Their position comes despite earlier calls by Governor Umo Eno for stakeholders to adopt a peaceful and unified approach in selecting candidates.
Speaking at a press conference, former APC Assistant Secretary, Umoh Amadu, said only a direct primary process would ensure transparency and reflect the will of party members.
He criticized attempts by certain individuals to push forward a candidate without grassroots support, describing such efforts as unacceptable.
The stakeholders maintained that their stance is aimed at protecting the collective interest of Ikot Ekpene and Obot Akara, not promoting any specific aspirant.
They also reaffirmed support for President Bola Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Governor Umo Eno, while warning against re-electing underperforming representatives.
“APC Stakeholders in Ikot Ekpene vehemently reject the undemocratic agenda of consensus candidacy/automatic ticket for any hopeful for the Ikot Ekpene/Obot Akara State Constituency seat in the forthcoming All Progressives Congress (APC) State House of Assembly primaries.
“Any process such as consensus, which conveys on a few individuals the opportunity to circumvent the wishes of the majority to foist candidates who most often do not enjoy genuine grassroots support, is antithetical to internal democratic ethos and an intemperate rape to principles of fair play as enshrined in the APC constitution as well as the Electoral Act 2026.
“We plead with our leaders not to sacrifice the entire community because of their benefit. They should allow the popular candidate to win our primary so that in the general election, we win our State constituency and deliver our Governor.
“This press conference is not to attack anyone or further the interest of any particular candidate rather for the interest of Ikot Ekpene/ Obot Akara State constituency, for us to enjoy full democratic dividends.
“While we unreservedly pledge our steadfast and unalloyed support for our party, the APC, we dare say that our party can only be united and progressive if justice, fairness, and respect for the democratic rights of all members is given its deserving consideration.”
