The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has said that more state constituencies may be created in Akwa Ibom State to address concerns over representation following the conclusion of the All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Assembly primaries.
His assurance comes amid protests by women’s groups who expressed concern that only four women emerged as APC nominees for the 26 state constituencies in the state, describing the outcome as inadequate compared to the expected 35 per cent inclusion benchmark.
The development has renewed calls for broader political inclusion in line with ongoing discussions around the proposed Special Seats for Women Bill.
Speaking during the declaration of results of the APC House of Assembly primary held at his Essien Udim Council Secretariat, Afaha Ikot Ebak, Akpabio said efforts were underway to review constituency structures to ensure fairer representation across the state.
He said legislative adjustments were being considered to create additional constituencies from several local government areas, including Ikot Ekpene, Obot Akara, Etim Ekpo, Ika, Oron, Udung Uko, Ikot Abasi, Eastern Obolo, Esit Eket and Ibeno.
“Akwa Ibom State deserves more State constituencies to ensure even representation of the 31 LGAs,” Akpabio said.
He noted that some existing arrangements, where two local government areas share a single constituency, were not ideal and required review in line with constitutional provisions.
“For instance, while Essien Udim State Constituency has a representative in the House of Assembly, some other areas are combined in ways that should be re-examined,” he said.
Akpabio added that he would work with Governor Umo Eno and other stakeholders to pursue reforms aimed at expanding representation, noting that final decisions would still be subject to constitutional processes involving relevant institutions.
He also commended the APC for what he described as the peaceful conduct of the primaries across the state.
“I commend the APC for the peaceful conduct of the exercise. No stone was thrown at anybody. INEC is here as observers, NGOs and CSOs from Abuja and other places are here. I believe they are shocked at the peaceful nature of Akwa Ibom people,” he said.
On the emergence of Prince Ukpong Akpabio as the APC candidate, the Senate President congratulated him and urged him to remain mindful of public expectations.
“To whom much is given, much is expected,” he said.
Meanwhile, women’s groups maintained that the outcome of the primaries highlights the need for deeper reforms to improve gender inclusion and broaden political representation in the state.
