BY SOLOMON OKPO
The All Progressives Congress (APC) Senatorial Primary election in Eket Local Government Area recorded a massive turnout on Monday as party faithful and supporters trooped out in large numbers to participate in the exercise that eventually produced Senator Ekong Sampson as the party’s candidate for Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District.
The primaries, held across the nation’s 109 Senatorial Districts on May 18, 2026, witnessed what stakeholders in Eket described as one of the most peaceful and well-coordinated political exercises in recent times.
Participants in Eket were led by the Executive Chairman of Eket Local Government Area, Akaniyene Tommey Ikott, alongside party leaders, stakeholders, councillors, supervisors and other APC faithful who actively took part in the process.
Speaking with journalists shortly after the exercise, the council chairman commended the orderly conduct of the primaries, describing the process as transparent, peaceful and unifying for party members across the local government.
He applauded the APC leadership and the Returning Officer for Eket Local Government Area, Harrison John, for ensuring a credible and hitch-free exercise.
The chairman also expressed appreciation to members of the State Executive Council, the APC Chapter Chairman, Hon. Elder Inyang Ebuk, party stakeholders, aides to the governor, councillors, supervisors and supporters for turning out en masse to strengthen the democratic process within the party.
At the conclusion of the exercise, Senator Ekong Sampson emerged as the sole APC senatorial candidate for Akwa Ibom South, positioning him as the party’s flag bearer ahead of the forthcoming general elections.
Party supporters and observers commended the peaceful atmosphere that characterized the election, noting that the large turnout reflected the growing acceptance and confidence enjoyed by the APC within the senatorial district.
In his acceptance remarks, Senator Ekong Sampson thanked party leaders, delegates and supporters for the confidence reposed in him, assuring them of purposeful representation and sustained commitment to the development of the district.
He further urged party members to remain united and focused ahead of the general elections, stressing that grassroots mobilization and collective commitment would remain crucial to the APC’s success at the polls.
