Akwa Ibom speaker’s claim over APC 2027 tickets sparks backlash

The Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Udeme Otong, has stirred controversy after claiming control of all 26 All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Assembly tickets ahead of the 2027 general election. In a viral video addressing his constituents in Ibibio, Otong said no aspirant could secure the party’s ticket without his […]

The Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Udeme Otong, has stirred controversy after claiming control of all 26 All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Assembly tickets ahead of the 2027 general election.
In a viral video addressing his constituents in Ibibio, Otong said no aspirant could secure the party’s ticket without his endorsement, insisting that the tickets were “custodied” by him.
“The 26 APC House of Assembly tickets for the 2027 general election are custodied by me. No aspirant can secure the party’s ticket without my endorsement,” he said.
The remarks have drawn sharp criticism from sections of the APC, particularly party members who predate the recent defection of Governor Umo Eno, Otong and other elected officials from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The APC Media Network, a party-affiliated media and communication platform, condemned the Speaker’s comments as “provocative and undemocratic”, warning that such claims undermine internal democracy and due process.
In a statement issued in Uyo by its Director-General, Iniobong John, the group said candidates for the 2027 elections would emerge through constitutionally recognised party processes, not individual assertions.
He stressed that neither the Speaker nor any individual had the constitutional authority to determine party candidacies or lay claim to APC tickets, noting that such powers reside exclusively with the party and are exercised through its duly constituted organs.