Following the successful conclusion of the All Progressives Congress primary elections across Akwa Ibom State, stakeholders have begun reflecting on the exercise's implications for the state’s political landscape. Leading the chorus of commendation is Obong Prince Ikim, the Akwa Ibom State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors. In a comprehensive statement issued from the state capital, Ikim lauded the leadership, stakeholders, and rank-and-file members of the APC for what he described as an exemplary demonstration of political maturity and internal democracy.
The recently concluded primaries, which drew widespread attention from political observers across the Niger Delta region, were conducted to select the party’s flagbearers for upcoming electoral contests. Contrary to the anxieties that historically characterize such exercises in the region, the process was marked by a remarkably calm atmosphere, a feat that Ikim emphasized has set a new benchmark for democratic engagement within the state.
In his extensive congratulatory message, Prince Ikim pointed out that the tranquility and unity witnessed during the APC primaries in Akwa Ibom—and mirrored in several other parts of the federation—did not happen by accident. Instead, he characterized the seamless execution of the exercise as a direct and clear reflection of the Renewed Hope Agenda championed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
According to the state coordinator, the national leadership’s insistence on fairness, transparency, and inclusion has successfully trickled down to the state chapters, fostering an environment where party members feel valued and heard.
The peaceful conduct of these primaries sends a powerful, unambiguous message to all Nigerians, Ikim noted in his official statement. It proves beyond doubt that the All Progressives Congress remains unyielding in its commitment to internal democracy, peace, and sustainable national progress. We are demonstrating that political contests do not have to be synonymous with rancor or division.
Ikim noted that by prioritizing a level playing field, the party has effectively neutralized the friction that often tears political platforms apart during primary seasons. This internal stability, he argued, positions the APC as a mature institution ready to govern and deliver on its promises to the electorate.
In a move that surprised some casual political observers but deeply resonated with advocates for state unity, Prince Ikim extended high praise across party lines to the executive governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno. Despite the governor belonging to the People's Democratic Party, Ikim commended his administration's governance philosophy, specifically his championing of the Arise Agenda.
Describing Governor Eno as a man of peace, the Renewed Hope Ambassador emphasized that a peaceful political atmosphere within a state requires cooperation from the sitting chief executive. He remarked that Governor Eno’s non-combative approach to politics and his focus on inclusive development have created a permissive environment where all political parties can carry out their constitutional activities without fear of harassment, state-sponsored disruption, or undue interference.
This cross-party acknowledgement underscores a growing sentiment among Akwa Ibom elites that state development and public safety must supersede partisan bickering. By maintaining a secure and politically neutral atmosphere, the current state administration has allowed democratic processes—regardless of the party involved—to thrive seamlessly.
A significant portion of Ikim’s address was dedicated to recognizing the various institutional actors whose collaborative efforts ensured the credibility of the primary elections. He explicitly lauded the central Electoral Committee dispatched to oversee the state primaries, praising their adherence to guidelines, timeliness, and transparency.
Furthermore, the state coordinator extended his gratitude to the various security agencies—including the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps—for their vigilant yet non-intrusive presence at the various voting centers. Their professional conduct, he noted, deterred potential troublemakers and provided voters and delegates with a profound sense of safety.
Most importantly, Ikim poured accolades on the local party members and delegates who turned out in large numbers. He thanked them for their patience, decorum, and strict adherence to the party’s constitution, noting that the ultimate success of any election rests on the behavior of the electorate.
For the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, the successful conclusion of the primaries is not an end point, but rather a catalyst for accelerated political action. Prince Ikim stated that the peaceful outcome has injected fresh enthusiasm into the group’s support base, strengthening their resolve to hit the ground running.
With the primary elections concluded and candidates officially decided, the group intends to immediately intensify its grassroots mobilization strategies. The goal, according to Ikim, is to sustain the current positive momentum and translate internal party unity into a decisive victory during the upcoming general elections.
Concluding his message, Prince Ikim issued an impassioned plea to all members of the APC, particularly those who may have lost out in the competitive primary contests. He reminded them that the primary was merely a family affair meant to select representatives, not a permanent division of the house.
He urged all aggrieved individuals and competing factions to shield their swords, embrace the victorious candidates, and focus on the broader objective of societal transformation.
Let us continue to work together, united in purpose, as we advance the vision of a prosperous, secure, and inclusive Nigeria under the Renewed Hope Agenda, Ikim advised. He reiterated that true progress can only be achieved when personal ambitions are aligned with the collective well-being of the state and the nation at large.
