By Solomon OKPO
Fresh political realignments have begun to unfold within the Akwa Ibom State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) following the amendment of the Electoral Act 2026, which bars politicians from switching parties after party primaries.
The new legal framework appears to have heightened anxiety among party aspirants uncertain of securing tickets ahead of the 2027 general elections, prompting a wave of early defections to alternative political platforms.
A survey by BusinessDay indicates that several APC members, particularly those seeking second terms or new elective positions, are either returning to their former parties or exploring new ones to safeguard their political ambitions before the restriction takes full effect.
Meanwhile, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has cautioned political office holders against overheating the polity, warning that appointees who resign to pursue elective offices should not expect any form of compensation.
“Everyone should read the political temperature in the state and avoid heating up the polity. There would not be any compensation for unwarranted political wastages,” the governor stated, in what observers interpret as a move to discourage unnecessary political maneuvering.
Within the APC, party leadership has reiterated its stance on internal democracy. Chairman of the APC Media Network, Iniobong John, stressed that party tickets are not for sale, noting that only a few top office holders enjoy automatic second-term tickets. These include President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Governor Umo Eno.
He maintained that other aspirants must earn their tickets through due process, adding that the party would not sideline longstanding members in favour of newcomers.
“We accept new members, but they must queue and wait for their turn while contributing to the growth of the party,” he said.
However, the tightening contest within the APC has triggered quiet but strategic exits. Some aggrieved aspirants are reportedly perfecting plans to defect to the Young Progressives Party (YPP), where they believe ticket acquisition may be less contentious.
One of such aspirants, Divine Solomon Bassey, who is eyeing the Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency seat, confirmed his decision to return to the YPP. He cited limited prospects within the APC and the constraints imposed by the amended law.
“I do not see any possibility of getting the APC ticket and I don’t want to be trapped by the new electoral law. I’ve consulted widely and I have the backing of my people and the party to return to the YPP,” Bassey said, describing his move as both timely and strategic.
Sources indicate that similar sentiments are being echoed across other parts of the state, although many affected politicians are yet to make formal announcements pending official defection timelines.
In contrast, some aspirants remain resolute within the APC. Godwin Umana, a contender for the Nsit Ubium State Constituency and pioneer chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), expressed confidence in clinching the party’s ticket. He dismissed any possibility of defection, emphasizing his status as a founding member of the party.
Umana, who is set to challenge incumbent lawmaker Otobong Bob, allegedly considering a third term, insisted that loyalty and grassroots support would ultimately determine the outcome of the primaries.
With the amended Electoral Act reshaping political calculations, Akwa Ibom’s political landscape is bracing for intensified pre-election maneuvering, as aspirants scramble to secure viable platforms ahead of the 2027 polls.
(Source: BusinessDay).
