By Joe Udo
Hon. Mark Esset has emerged victorious in the All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Representatives primary election for the Uyo, Nsit Atai, Ibesikpo Asutan, and Uruan Federal Constituency.
Speaking after the exercise, Rt. Hon. Mark Esset commended the leadership of Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, for ensuring a peaceful and transparent primary election across the constituency.
According to him, the governor’s leadership style and commitment to unity within the party contributed greatly to the smooth conduct of the exercise.
“That is why we witnessed a very peaceful primary election. I am grateful to the party leadership and the people for their confidence in me,” Esset stated.
He further expressed optimism that Governor Umo Eno would record a landslide victory in the 2027 general elections, citing the governor’s developmental strides and people-oriented leadership.
Earlier, the Chairman of Nsit Atai Local Government Area, Prince Anthony Nyong, applauded the peaceful conduct of the exercise and appreciated the people of Uyo, Ibesikpo Asutan, and Uruan for their support for their son, Rt. Hon. Mark Esset.
One of the aspirants for the APC House of Representatives ticket, Lady Blessing Ossom, who stepped down from the race, said her decision was borne out of respect for the leadership of the party, Governor Umo Eno, and Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
She reaffirmed her loyalty to the APC and pledged to mobilize support for the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“I remain a committed party faithful and will continue to work for the victory of the APC,” she said.
Also, the member representing Nsit Atai State Constituency, Prince Aniefiok Attah, commended the peaceful conduct of the exercise in his ward, noting that the absence of disputes and tensions was a direct result of the governor’s inclusive governance approach.
He emphasized that prioritizing unity above personal or group interests has helped to build trust among stakeholders, thereby creating an enabling environment for credible democratic processes.
In Ibesikpo Asutan, the Executive Chairman of the Local Government Area, Evangelist Edidiong Inyang, said he monitored activities across the wards and was impressed by the overwhelming support for the party’s decision.
He expressed confidence that the APC would win all elective positions during the general elections.
“With what I have seen today, in the 2027 general elections, if election materials arrive early, Ibesikpo Asutan would have completed voting before 1 p.m.,” he stated, while thanking party faithful for turning out en masse to support the process.
In Uyo Local Government Area, the Executive Chairman and ALGON Chairman, Dr. Uwemedimo Udo, commended Governor Umo Eno for creating an atmosphere of peace and unity within the party through the delivery of democratic dividends across the state.
He pointed to the newly built model primary school in Oku Ward as evidence of the governor’s commitment to grassroots development and urged party members to remain steadfast and united.
According to him, some politicians who failed to secure APC tickets may defect to other parties to create distractions, but he stressed that the people should remain focused on supporting Governor Umo Eno’s administration.
Meanwhile, the Director of Research and Documentation of the Arise Renewed Hope Initiatives, Elder Ini Obot, described the peaceful conduct of the APC primary election as unprecedented in the history of Akwa Ibom State.
“This has never happened before in the history of the state a House of Representatives primary conducted peacefully and without rancour,” he said.
He congratulated Rt. Hon. Mark Esset on his emergence as the APC candidate for the Uyo, Nsit Atai, Ibesikpo Asutan, and Uruan Federal Constituency.
