By George Ozalla
Massive crowds of party faithful and constituents on Monday turned out for the affirmation of Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, as the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, for the Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District ahead of the next general election.
Akpabio, who emerged unopposed as the sole APC aspirant for the senatorial ticket, participated in the primary election at his ward centre located at Methodist School, Ukana, Ukana West II, in Essien Udim Local Government Area.
The exercise attracted a large turnout of supporters, party stakeholders, and residents who gathered in solidarity with the Senate President. Many of the supporters described him as a tested political figure whose record in public service had continued to earn him widespread acceptance across the senatorial district and beyond.
Supporters at the venue recalled his previous roles as commissioner, governor, minister, Minority Leader of the Senate, and now President of the 10th Senate, insisting that his experience and political reach had continued to benefit the people of the area.
The primary venue assumed a festive atmosphere as party loyalists sang, danced, and celebrated throughout the exercise. Observers at the event described the process as peaceful, orderly, and transparent, while officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, alongside civil society organisations and other stakeholders monitored proceedings.
Returning Officer for the exercise, Mr Gabriel Ekong, commended party members for their conduct and acknowledged the impressive turnout recorded during the primary.
Several APC stakeholders also noted that the strong show of support for Akpabio reflected growing momentum for the ruling party in Akwa Ibom State as consultations and mobilisation efforts intensify ahead of the elections.
Speaking after the exercise, Akpabio thanked party faithful for what he described as their consistent confidence and support over the years. He assured constituents that he would continue to provide effective representation and responsive leadership at the National Assembly.
The Senate President also reassured his full commitment to initiatives targeted at development and unity within the APC, while pledging continued support for the policies and programmes of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He further urged party supporters and residents of the state to rally behind President Tinubu, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, and other APC candidates, promising to sustain efforts geared towards attracting more democratic dividends to the people of the senatorial district and the state at large.
