May 19, (THEWILL) — Supporters of Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, turned out in large numbers on Monday as the All Progressives Congress (APC) conducted its senatorial primary for the Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial District, returning him unopposed as the party’s candidate for the 2027 election.
The primary election was held at Methodist School, Ukana, in Ukana West II Ward of Essien Udim Local Government Area, where Akpabio participated in the affirmation exercise alongside his wife, Unoma, and party supporters.
Although he was the sole aspirant, party faithful and constituents thronged the venue in what observers described as a carnival-like atmosphere, with singing and dancing accompanying the exercise.
Officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), civil society groups and party stakeholders monitored the process, which participants described as peaceful, orderly and transparent.
Returning Officer, Gabriel Ekong, commended party members for the turnout and orderly conduct during the exercise.
Speaking after his affirmation, Akpabio thanked APC members for their continued support and confidence in his leadership, pledging sustained representation and support for development-focused legislation at the National Assembly.
He also urged party supporters to back President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno and other APC candidates ahead of the 2027 elections.
Across Akwa Ibom State, APC senatorial district primaries recorded a large turnout and peaceful conduct, with Governor Eno describing the exercise as a reflection of growing support for the ruling party.
Speaking after participating in the primary election in Ibiakpan Obotim Ward II, Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, the governor said the turnout across the state demonstrated confidence in the APC and its leadership.
Eno also reassured President Tinubu of Akwa Ibom APC’s support ahead of the party’s presidential primary scheduled for May 23, 2026.
In Uyo Senatorial District, delegates unanimously affirmed Senator Aniekan Bassey as the APC candidate during primaries conducted across wards in Itu and Ibiono Ibom Local Government Areas under the party’s Option A4 voting system.
The exercise, monitored by party leaders including Itu Local Government Chairman, Hon. Ubong Nkutt, and Ibiono Ibom Chairman, Asuakak Umoh, was conducted without any reported incident of violence or disruption.
