A group of disqualified Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly aspirants has accused the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) of deliberate manipulation in the buildup to the party’s primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The aggrieved politicians alleged that the screening process was orchestrated to sideline non-aligned candidates in favour of those reportedly backed by Governor Umo Eno and Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.
Addressing journalists in Uyo under the umbrella of the Concerned Disqualified APC House of Assembly Aspirants, the group expressed shock over their sudden disqualification.
They claimed they were abruptly declared unqualified by the screening committee despite having previously contested elections and flown the APC flag in earlier polls without any hitches.
The aspirants warned that the fundamental values of the APC are currently under siege by internal forces.
They stated that the party, which was founded on the pillars of progressivism, fairness, justice, internal democracy, and equal opportunity, is now being heavily threatened by impunity, intimidation, favouritism, and the deliberate suppression of genuine party members.
In a swift reaction to the allegations, the Akwa Ibom State APC Spokesperson, Patrick Edeke, strongly denied all claims of manipulation.
He insisted that the screening process was conducted in strict compliance with the party’s established guidelines and constitution, maintaining that the leadership provided a level playing field for all participants.
Dismissing the protest, Edeke characterized the agitations as the typical reaction of politicians who are simply dissatisfied with the outcome of a rigorous screening process.
As the 2027 election cycle heats up, the brewing internal friction highlights the growing tension within the state’s main opposition party.
