Concerns have emerged over the low number of female candidates produced during the just-concluded All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries for the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, with only four women securing tickets across the state’s 26 constituencies.
Critics within the party and civil society groups, argue that the outcome falls short of the widely advocated 35 percent affirmative action target for women in politics.
They also say the development contradicts the spirit of the proposed Special Seats for Women Bill aimed at promoting broader female participation in governance.
Amid the growing concerns, Senate President Godswill Akpabio assured stakeholders that efforts were underway to address what he described as “political anomalies” in representation within the state.
Speaking during the announcement of results for the APC House of Assembly primary at the Essien Udim Council Secretariat in Afaha Ikot Ebak, Akpabio disclosed plans to pursue the creation of additional state constituencies in Akwa Ibo State..
According to him, legislative consultations are being considered to carve out new constituencies from areas including Ikot Ekpene, Obot Akara, Etim Ekpo, Ika, Oron, Udung Uko, Ikot Abasi, Eastern Obolo, Esit Eket, and Ibeno Local Government Areas.
He noted that the state currently has only 26 state constituencies despite having 31 local government areas, insisting that every local government should ideally have representation in the state House of Assembly.
“Some local governments currently share constituencies, and that should not be the case,” Akpabio said, adding that discussions involving the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and relevant stakeholders would be necessary to review constitutional provisions and electoral laws.
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The Senate president specifically identified constituencies currently shared by two local governments, as Ikot Ekpene/Obot Akara, Etim Ekpo/Ika, Oron/Udung Uko, Ikot Abasi/Eastern Obolo, and Esit Eket/Ibeno.
Akpabio also celebrated the emergence of his cousin, Prince Ukpong Akpabio, as the APC candidate for Essien Udim State Constituency ahead of the 2027 elections.
He described the lawmaker as a “worthy representative” who received unanimous support across the constituency’s 11 wards.
He further praised Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, for fostering a peaceful political atmosphere that ensured the smooth conduct of the primaries.
