Large turnout at APC House of Representatives primaries in Akwa Ibom

All Progressives Congress (APC) members turned out in large numbers for the House of Representatives primary election in Akwa Ibom State.

A visit to several wards in the Uyo Federal Constituency revealed that party members, especially women, gathered in force to vote for their chosen aspirant, despite the party using the Option A4 voting system.

At St. Michael’s Primary School, Offot 1, Ward 6 Centre, more than 5,615 of the 6,000 registered members—including government appointees—were present to cast votes for the consensus aspirant, incumbent House of Representatives member Mark Esset.

Speaking to journalists, Dr. Enobong Uwah, Secretary to the Akwa Ibom State Government and political leader of Uyo Local Government Area, praised the APC for adopting direct primaries, noting that the system has strengthened democracy and allowed members, particularly women, to support any aspirant they prefer.

He commended the large turnout and the peaceful behaviour of the participants, urging them to continue backing the party and its future candidates.

“As you can see, this is a direct primary. In a direct primary, you choose to stand behind the aspirant you want to become the party’s candidate. I prefer this system to the one where a few delegates sit in one room or hotel and vote for one person,” he said. “That is why after consensus, you still have to come out to the field to prove that everybody has agreed, and that is what you have seen here today.”

“We know how primaries used to be before, but today’s event has shown how peaceful our state is. Despite the huge turnout, everything is orderly,” he added.

Mr. Inibehe Emmanuel, Chairman of Ward 6, Uyo Local Government Area, described the exercise as a success, noting that everyone had come out to support the party’s candidate.

“We have more than 6,000 registered members in Ward 6 of Uyo Federal Constituency, and today all of us have come out to vote for Mr. Mark Esset to return and represent us in the National Assembly,” he said.

At the conclusion of the exercise, Hon. Mark Esset received a total of 5,615 votes out of the 6,000 registered voters, as announced by the returning officer, Mr. Jude Oliver.

Participants in the primaries included Dr. Mrs. Inemesit Uwah, wife of the SSG; Sir Charles Udoh, Managing Director of Ibom Hotels; Mr. Ime Uwah, Sole Administrator of Ibom Paint Industry; Mr. David Sergeant, SSA on Entertainment; other special assistants to the governor; and various party elders.