By By Elizabeth Ugbo
The All Progressives Congress in Onna Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State on Wednesday adopted Governor Umo Eno as its sole governorship candidate ahead of the party primaries and the 2027 general elections. The decision emerged during an enlarged stakeholders’ meeting held at the residence of party leader Dr Pat Ifon in Onna. Party leaders, stakeholders and members attended the meeting to strengthen unity, endorse consensus candidates and prepare for the elections.
APC Endorses Consensus Candidates
The party also adopted:
- Nelson Ntia for the State House of Assembly
- Ekong Sampson for the Senate
- Eunice Thomas for the House of Representatives
According to a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Ekerete Udoh, the resolutions followed extensive consultations within the party.
Party Leaders Call for Unity Ahead of Elections
Speaking during the meeting, Onna APC Chairman Tom Nkanang urged members to remain united before the elections. He stressed that party members must avoid internal disputes and work together for victory.
Similarly, Dr Pat Ifon said the gathering aimed to communicate decisions reached by the party leadership and mobilise members for the primaries and general elections.
He added that Governor Eno had directed members to avoid conflicts and focus on securing an overwhelming victory at the polls.
“Ifon formally announced the adoption of President Bola Tinubu, Governor Umo Eno, Senator Ekong Sampson, Dr Eunice Thomas and Elder Nelson Ntia as consensus candidates for various elective positions,” the statement noted.
Stakeholders Back Consensus Arrangement
Several stakeholders supported the resolutions reached at the meeting. They included Barr Ini Ikott, Dr Kufre Akpabio, Bassey Willie and Hon Godwin Oton.
The stakeholders appealed to aggrieved members to reconcile with the party leadership before the elections. They also urged members to support the adopted candidates in the interest of party unity.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Finance, Emem Bob, revealed that he initially supported Nung Ndem to produce the State House of Assembly candidate.
However, he said the party later settled for Nelson Ntia through consensus.
“As a loyal party man, I have decided to align with the decision of the party,” Bob stated.
Support Grows for Nelson Ntia
Dr Owoideghe Ekpottai said Nelson Ntia deserved support because of his contributions to the party over the years.
In the same vein, Dr Nse Essien praised Governor Eno for adopting a consensus arrangement. He also commended Dr Pat Ifon for promoting inclusive leadership and carrying stakeholders along in decision-making.
Furthermore, party leaders called on members to pray for the success of Godswill Akpabio at the polls and for his continued emergence as Senate President.
