Akpabio and Umo Eno
Political tensions are rising in Akwa Ibom State as several political aspirants proceed to purchase nomination forms ahead of the 2027 elections, despite reported attempts by Governor Umo Eno and Senate President Godswill Akpabio to enforce consensus arrangements within the ruling All Progressives Congress.
Sources say the governor had urged potential aspirants, including political appointees, to step down in favour of agreed candidates under a power-sharing arrangement linked to his defection into the APC in 2025. He reportedly warned that his administration would not sponsor those who violate the agreement.
However, across the three senatorial districts and all federal and state constituencies, many aspirants ignored the directive and went ahead to purchase nomination forms before the deadline.
The situation has triggered fresh political friction, with some APC members especially former members of the Peoples Democratic Party reportedly resigning from the ruling party again over disagreements with the consensus plan.
One notable resignation is that of former Speaker of the State Assembly and Special Adviser on Legislative Affairs, Dr. Aniekan Uko, who said he would pursue his ambition for a federal legislative seat after acquiring nomination forms.
Political reports also indicate that Governor Eno escalated the matter to Senate President Akpabio, seeking intervention to enforce the zoning and consensus arrangement. A subsequent stakeholders’ meeting in Uyo reportedly produced compromises in some constituencies, including withdrawal of certain aspirants in favour of incumbent lawmakers.
In Oruk Anam/Ukanafun federal constituency, some aspirants have reportedly stepped down for the incumbent, while others have still purchased forms, insisting they will contest at party primaries.
Similarly, in several constituencies, serving lawmakers are expected to return unopposed under the consensus arrangement, although a few challengers are still positioning for internal party contests.
In the State House of Assembly, most incumbents are reportedly being retained under the agreement, with only a few seats expected to see changes.
However, critics of the arrangement, including former lawmaker Chief Essien, argue that the imposition of consensus candidates undermines internal democracy and could weaken political participation within the state.
As the 2027 election season approaches, analysts say the unfolding developments highlight deepening political realignments and growing tensions over candidate selection processes within the APC in Akwa Ibom State.
