May 17, (THEWILL) — Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has commended the peaceful conduct of the All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Representatives primaries across the state, as several incumbent lawmakers and consensus candidates emerged victorious in Saturday’s exercise.
Speaking after voting in his ward, Ibiakpan Obotim II in Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, Governor Eno described the primaries as free, fair and transparent, noting that reports from across the state indicated orderly conduct and strong participation by party members.
The governor congratulated successful aspirants, including the member representing Etinan Federal Constituency, Paul Ekpo, who secured victory in the constituency’s nomination process.
He also used the occasion to rally support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, himself, Senator Aniekan Bassey and other APC candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Across the state, party leaders and stakeholders described the primaries as peaceful and credible, with delegates voting through the Option A4 system under the supervision of party officials and observers from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
In Uyo Federal Constituency, party faithful gathered at QIC Group School, Oku, for the primary election, where Hon. Mark Esset emerged unopposed after polling all votes cast by delegates.
Chairman of Uyo Local Government Area and Akwa Ibom ALGON Chairman, Dr Uwemedimo Udo, who led party leaders to the venue, praised members for maintaining order during the exercise and described the Option A4 voting method as transparent and reflective of the will of party members.
In Ikot Abasi Federal Constituency, the incumbent lawmaker, Uduak Odudoh, defeated other aspirants, including Dr Idongesit Wilson Nta and Mr Udeme Idemudo, to clinch the party’s ticket for the forthcoming elections.
Reacting to his victory, Odudoh thanked the party leadership for ensuring “a transparent process” and pledged continued effective representation for the constituency.
Similarly, in Northern Ukanafun Ward 4, Unyime Idem emerged as the APC consensus candidate after polling 2,025 votes in an unopposed contest conducted at Ikot Akpan Ntuen.
Party stakeholders, including the Commissioner for Science and Digital Economy, Dr Frank Ekpenyong, commended members for their peaceful conduct and urged continued unity ahead of the general elections.
Delegates in Itu Local Government Area also turned out in large numbers for the primary election, where Rt. Hon. Ime Okon secured overwhelming support to emerge as the APC candidate for Itu/Ibiono Federal Constituency.
The exercise was monitored by the Chairman of Itu Local Government Council, Hon. Ubong Nkutt, as well as other party leaders across the wards.
At East Itam Ward 7, the Permanent Secretary of the State Ministry of Information, Akparawa James Edet, who led the delegates for the exercise, applauded the administration of Pastor Umo Eno in the state for the unprecedented peace and coexistence witnessed in the last three years.
Ward elders who spoke, including Chief Akan Okon, congratulated Hon. Ime Okon on the overwhelming victory and urged him to place optimum priority on the development of his constituents.
In Mkpat Enin and Eastern Obolo local government areas, party stakeholders equally applauded the conduct of the exercise, describing it as peaceful, fair and credible.
THEWILL reports that the APC primaries across the state ended without reported incidents of violence, with party leaders expressing confidence that the process had strengthened internal democracy and positioned the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
