Some youths from Ikot Abasi Federal Constituency on Friday staged a protest at the Ikot Abasi Council Headquarters in over what they described as moves by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to reserve an automatic ticket for the Senate seat in the Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District.

The protesters, drawn from Mkpat Enin, Eastern Obolo and Ikot Abasi local government areas, demanded an open and competitive primary, insisting that the selection process must be transparent and inclusive.

They said decisions on who represents the district in the National Assembly should not be made behind closed doors, warning against what they called attempts to impose a candidate.

The senator representing the district, Ekong Sampson, is currently seeking a second term in office and has received backing from some political stakeholders who favour continuity and experienced representation.

However, the protesting youths rejected the idea of an automatic ticket, insisting that all aspirants must be allowed to contest freely in the party primaries.

Carrying placards with various inscriptions, the demonstrators called for fairness, equity and transparency in the process, while also expressing support for internal party democracy.

Some of the placards read: “No automatic ticket for Senate seat,” “We say no to imposition,” and “Open primaries will bring more support for APC,” among others.

Speaking on behalf of the group, youth leader Ayang Richard commended stakeholders who supported open contests and micro-zoning arrangements within the senatorial district.

He, however, warned that the youths would resist any attempt to impose a candidate, stressing that leadership must emerge through a credible and competitive process.