Akwa Ibom LG Polls: Protests Erupt Over Alleged Imposition of PDP Candidates
Protests have erupted in parts of Akwa Ibom State over allegations that the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) imposed preferred candidates ahead of the local government elections.
The controversy has centred on the process used to select chairmanship candidates, with some party members and community groups accusing the PDP leadership of sidelining popular aspirants.
Youth groups in Mbo and Urue Offong/Oruko local government areas were among those who openly rejected the choices made by the party.
In Mbo, some youths questioned the decision to support incumbent chairman Asukwo Eyo for another term, arguing that his performance in office did not justify his re-election.
In Urue Offong/Oruko, protesters opposed the emergence of Precious Selong as the consensus chairmanship candidate and instead expressed support for retired Colonel Sampson Edet.
Youth leader Ben Okung said imposing an unpopular candidate could weaken the PDP’s support and slow development in the area.
Okung said residents and some elders had staged a peaceful protest to communicate their opposition to Selong’s candidacy to the party leadership and Governor Udom Emmanuel.
He appealed to the governor, as leader of the PDP in the state, to provide a level playing field for all aspirants and allow party members to determine their preferred candidate through a credible primary.
Another party member, Emmanuel Okon, also criticised the reported removal of Edet’s name from the list of cleared aspirants.
Okon questioned Selong’s record during her previous service as vice-chairperson and transition chairperson of the local government, arguing that residents had not seen sufficient development under her leadership.
PDP stalwart Ante Ante similarly complained about the pace of development in Urue Offong/Oruko since the local government was created in 1991.
He said local government administration should be focused on transforming rural communities and improving living conditions rather than serving personal or political interests.
Ante therefore urged Governor Emmanuel to allow all qualified aspirants to test their popularity in the party’s chairmanship primary.
He maintained that residents should be given greater influence in determining who represents them at the local government level.
The Akwa Ibom PDP, however, denied allegations of wrongdoing.
The party’s Publicity Secretary, Borono Bassey, said the leadership followed internal democratic procedures in screening aspirants and rejected claims that the process was manipulated.
The dispute nevertheless highlighted growing dissatisfaction among some PDP members and residents over the selection of candidates ahead of the local government elections.
