Aggrieved youths from Ikot Abasi Federal Constituency on Friday staged a protest in Akwa Ibom State, rejecting what they described as moves by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to impose a candidate for the Akwa Ibom South Senatorial seat.
The protesters, drawn from Mkpat Enin, Eastern Obolo, and Ikot Abasi Local Government Areas, gathered at the Ikot Abasi Council Headquarters, calling for a transparent and inclusive process ahead of the party’s primaries.
Carrying placards and chanting slogans, the youths demanded fairness, equity, and equal opportunity for all aspirants, strongly opposing any form of consensus arrangement or automatic ticket.
The demonstration follows reports that the incumbent senator, Ekong Sampson, is seeking a second term with backing from some stakeholders who argue that continuity would ensure effective representation. However, the protesters insisted that leadership decisions should not be made behind closed doors.
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Speaking during the protest, youth leader Ayang Richard commended stakeholders in the Eket Senatorial District for zoning the contest to Ikot Abasi Federal Constituency but warned against imposing a candidate.
“The future of our constituency cannot be decided behind closed doors. The people must be allowed to choose their leaders through a transparent and competitive process,” he said.
Richard added that the protest reflects a broader demand for internal democracy beyond party lines, cautioning that allowing any aspirant to run unopposed could harm the party’s credibility.
Another speaker, Friday Jack, criticised what he described as the marginalisation of youths under the current representation and urged stakeholders, including women and community leaders, to resist any attempt to enforce consensus.
“Our youths have been sidelined. We must reject any move that promotes failure under the guise of consensus,” he said.
Despite their concerns, the protesters reaffirmed their support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Governor Umo Eno, while urging APC leadership to uphold democratic principles in its candidate selection process.
