Youths in Ikot Abasi Protest Automatic Senate Ticket for APC Candidate
A group of passionate youths in the Ikot Abasi Federal Constituency has staged a protest against the All Progressives Congress (APC) for attempting to grant an automatic Senate ticket to the incumbent representative in Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District. The demonstrators voiced their demand for a more inclusive and credible democratic process leading up to the party primaries.
Call for Open Primaries and Fairness
Young activists from Mukpat Enin, East Obolo, and Ikot Abasi local government areas gathered at the Ikot Abasi parliamentary headquarters on Friday. They called for open primaries and insisted on a fair playing field for all senatorial aspirants. The demonstrators emphasized that decisions impacting their futures should not be made behind closed doors.
Current Senator’s Bid for Re-election
Senator Econ Sampson, who represents the district, is seeking a second term in office. He enjoys support from several local stakeholders who advocate for retaining experienced representatives rather than opting for single-term appointments.
Demands for Transparency and Equity
During the protest, attendees displayed placards with messages emphasizing fairness and transparency in the selection process for the next senator. Slogans included calls for equality and a demand for a transparent political climate. One sign stated, “We will choose our leaders. There must be fairness, equality and transparency.” Additionally, they expressed their support for both Governor Umo Eno and President Bola Tinubu while voicing opposition to the proposed automatic ticket.
Youth Leader Advocates for Open Elections
Youth leader Ayan Richard addressed the crowd, asserting that the election process for the Eket senatorial district should be open to all qualified candidates. He commended local officials for zoning the campaign to candidates from the Ikot Abasi Federal Constituency but stressed that leadership selections must emerge from a transparent and competitive process. Richard warned that young people would resist efforts to endorse any senator who has not performed to expectations.
Call to Action for Collective Resistance
Richard further announced that the protest was a broader message directed at the APC leadership, urging them to embrace change by supporting direct primaries and rejecting automatic nominations. He pointed out the reliable and prominent candidates from Ikot Abasi Federal Constituency who are ready to contest in the upcoming APC primaries, asserting that maintaining the incumbent Senator Sampson could harm the party’s credibility.
Community Pushback Against Status Quo
Another protestor, Mr. Jack, criticized Senator Sampson for ignoring the voices of young people. He rallied the community to reject what he termed a “reinforcement of failure” under the guise of automatic nominations. Jack urged the youth, women, and stakeholders to unite against this practice, emphasizing the need for their participation in the democratic process.
Support for Party Leaders and Governor
In addition to their protests, the youths reaffirmed their support for key political figures, including President Bola Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno. Their actions reflect a collective desire for a more engaged and representative political landscape in Ikot Abasi Federal Constituency.
