Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
A group of youths from Ikot Abasi Federal Constituency in Akwa Ibom State on Friday staged a protest at the Ikot Abasi Local Government Headquarters, rejecting attempts within the All Progressives Congress to adopt a consensus arrangement or automatic ticket for the senatorial seat in Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District.
The protesters, drawn from Mkpat Enin, Eastern Obolo, and Ikot Abasi local government areas, demanded that the party conduct open and competitive primaries, insisting that leadership selection must be transparent, inclusive, and reflective of the wishes of party members and constituents.
The demonstration comes amid growing political tension within the district ahead of the APC primary elections, where incumbent Senator Ekong Sampson is reportedly seeking a second term with the backing of some political stakeholders who favour continuity and argue that retaining experienced lawmakers would benefit representation at the National Assembly.
However, the protesting youths strongly opposed any arrangement that could lead to an automatic ticket or consensus endorsement, arguing that such processes undermine internal democracy and deny qualified aspirants a fair opportunity to contest.
Carrying placards with various inscriptions, the youths expressed dissatisfaction with what they described as attempts to predetermine the outcome of the senatorial race, insisting that the future of their communities must not be decided through closed-door political arrangements.
Some of the placards displayed during the protest read messages demanding fairness, equality, and transparency in the selection process, while others called for open primaries and rejected automatic tickets for what they described as underperforming representation.
Addressing the gathering, youth leader Ayang Richard praised stakeholders for opening up other senatorial contests within the broader political arrangement but warned against imposing candidates through consensus in the APC senatorial race.
He stated that the youths would resist any attempt to impose an automatic ticket, insisting that leadership must emerge through a transparent and competitive process that allows voters and party members to freely choose their preferred candidate.
According to him, the large turnout at the protest reflected a broader sentiment within the constituency, which he said extends beyond party lines and represents a collective demand for internal democracy and credible leadership selection.
Richard argued that Ikot Abasi Federal Constituency has a pool of qualified and capable individuals who should be allowed to contest the party primaries, adding that restricting the process could weaken the party’s credibility and reduce public confidence in its internal structures.
He further stated that allowing an automatic ticket for the incumbent senator would amount to undermining the democratic process and could negatively affect the party’s popularity in the constituency ahead of future elections.
Another protester, Friday Jack, criticized what he described as the continued marginalization of youths in the political process, accusing some political actors of sidelining younger stakeholders in decision-making structures.
He urged youths, women, and community leaders to unite in rejecting what he termed the reinforcement of poor representation under the guise of consensus politics, stressing that accountability and performance should guide candidate selection rather than political convenience.
The protesters also used the occasion to express support for President Bola Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno, indicating that their grievances were directed specifically at internal party arrangements rather than broader political leadership at state and federal levels.
Political observers note that disputes over consensus candidates and automatic tickets have become increasingly common in Nigerian party politics, particularly ahead of election cycles where incumbent lawmakers often enjoy strong backing from party structures while challengers push for open primaries.
The All Progressives Congress, like other major political parties, typically allows internal mechanisms such as direct or indirect primaries, consensus arrangements, or other selection methods depending on party guidelines and stakeholder agreements at the state level.
However, consensus arrangements have frequently generated controversy in several states, with critics arguing that they limit competition and weaken internal democracy, while supporters maintain that they help reduce costly intra-party conflicts and promote unity.
In Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District, the debate appears to reflect broader tensions between continuity and change, with stakeholders divided between retaining experienced legislators and opening the field to new aspirants.
The protest in Ikot Abasi adds to growing political mobilization across the state as parties begin early positioning ahead of the next election cycle, with aspirants intensifying consultations and grassroots engagement to secure delegate and stakeholder support.
Security personnel were present during the demonstration to ensure order, and the protest reportedly ended peacefully without incidents of violence or disruption.
As the APC prepares for its primaries, attention is expected to remain focused on how the party resolves internal disagreements over nomination processes, particularly in constituencies where competition between incumbents and challengers is intensifying.
For now, the youths maintain that only open primaries can guarantee fairness, transparency, and legitimacy in the selection of the party’s senatorial candidate in Akwa Ibom South.
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