Akwa Ibom APC Primaries: Governor Eno Commends Peaceful Process as Etteh Loses Re-election Bid

By Ogenyi Ogenyi, Uyo

Umo Eno has commended members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for what he described as peaceful and orderly House of Representatives primaries held across Akwa Ibom State.

Speaking after voting in his ward, Ibiakpan Obotim II in Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, the governor congratulated successful aspirants and called for support for APC candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The primaries saw the incumbent lawmaker representing Eket/Onna/Esit-Eket/Ibeno Federal Constituency, Okpolupm Etteh, lose the party’s ticket to Mrs. Eunice Thomas, a former commissioner for women affairs and former board member of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

Secretary to the State Government, Enobong Uwah, said the direct primary system adopted by the party helped reduce tension and encouraged wider participation among members. Several incumbent lawmakers, including Uduak Odudoh, Paul Ekpo, Mark Esset, Clement Jimbo, Martins Esin, Ukpong Udo and Unyime Idem, secured return tickets in their respective constituencies.

Party leaders and stakeholders described the primaries as peaceful and credible, with voting conducted through the Option A4 system under the supervision of party officials and observers from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).No incidents of violence were reported during the exercise.