Aggrieved youths from Ikot Abasi Federal Constituency in Akwa Ibom State on Friday staged a protest against an alleged attempt by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to impose an automatic ticket for the Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District seat.
The youths, drawn from Mkpat Enin, Eastern Obolo, and Ikot Abasi Local Government Areas, converged at the Ikot Abasi Council Headquarters, demanding open primaries and a level playing field for all aspirants.
Carrying placards with various inscriptions, the protesters rejected any form of consensus or automatic ticket, particularly for the incumbent Senator Ekong Sampson, who is seeking a second term. Some of the placards read: “We would choose our leaders, there must be fairness, equality and transparency”; “No automatic ticket for Senate seat”; “We say no automatic ticket for a senator that is not performing”; and “Open primaries will bring more support for APC.”
Youth leader Ayang Richard, who addressed the protesters, commended stakeholders for opening the Eket Senatorial District contest to all qualified aspirants while micro-zoning it to Ikot Abasi Federal Constituency. He, however, warned that the youths would resist any imposition of an automatic ticket on what he described as a non-performing senator.
“The future of our constituency cannot be decided behind closed doors. The people must choose their leaders,” Richard said. “We will firmly resist any attempt to impose an automatic ticket on a non-performing senator. Leadership must emerge through a transparent and competitive process.”
He noted that Ikot Abasi Federal Constituency has credible sons and daughters capable of representing the zone, adding that allowing the incumbent to return via automatic ticket would discredit the party.
Another youth leader, Friday Jack, decried the alleged neglect of youths by the current senator and called on young people, women, and stakeholders to reject what he termed the “reinforcement of failure” through an automatic ticket.
The protesting youths also reaffirmed their support for President Bola Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno.
The protest highlights growing demands within the APC for internal democracy and open primaries ahead of the party’s primaries later this month.
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