Aspirants, Supporters Protest Conduct Of APC Reps Primaries In Akwa Ibom

Widespread protests across several local government areas have marred the All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Representatives primaries in Akwa Ibom State ahead of the 2027 general elections.

At ward centres visited in Essien Udim, Obot Akara, Ikot Ekpene, Etim Ekpo, Ika, Ukanafun, Oruk Anam, Abak, Nsit Ubium, Nsit Ibom, Etinan, and other areas, consensus arrangements were largely adopted, with preferred aspirants—mostly returnees seeking second and third terms—being endorsed.

However, LEADERSHIP Sunday gathered that the consensus arrangement did not hold in several centres, as attempts to impose candidates were resisted by aggrieved aspirants and their supporters.

The dissenting groups reportedly cited remarks attributed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and APC National Chairman Yilwatda, insisting that where consensus fails, polls should be conducted.

At the Adiasim Ikot Ata Enin Ward centre in Essien Udim Local Government Area, tension rose as violence was narrowly averted after an aspirant for Ikot Ekpene Federal Constituency, Mr. Erikan Tom, rejected the consensus arrangement.

Organisers insisted on adherence to party decisions, while Tom maintained that due process required a proper election.

Addressing journalists and supporters, Tom called on Senate President Godswill Akpabio, the APC National Chairman, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene, alleging violation of party guidelines.

“I am a bonafide member of this Adiasim community and I am eminently qualified to stand for the primary, having bought the forms, screened and cleared,” he said.

“I have to stick my neck for this contest because it is the turn of Essien Udim and Adiasim. There was a resolution at the national level of the party that where consensus fails, elections should be allowed, but today that resolution has been flouted openly,” he added.

Elsewhere in Abak Urban Ward 4, Utu Abak, supporters celebrated the emergence of a winner in a contest between incumbent lawmaker Clement Jimbo and a new aspirant, Mr. Iboro Johny.

As of the time of filing this report, returning officers were preparing to announce party nominees based on arrangements reportedly reached by party stakeholders and leaders in the state.