Youths in Akwa Ibom State have come out to protest against the choice of a consensus candidate for the senatorial position. They carried placards and raised their voices, saying they do not want any imposed candidate. Instead, they are demanding that the party should allow open primaries so that everyone can compete fairly.

The protesters believe that selecting a candidate through consensus is not the best way. They argue that open primaries will give all interested aspirants a chance to test their popularity among party members. Many of the youths feel that a consensus arrangement may favour only a few powerful people and ignore the wishes of the larger group.

This protest shows the growing demand for transparency in politics ahead of future elections. In many parts of Nigeria, youths are becoming more active and refusing to accept decisions made behind closed doors. They want their voices to count when leaders are being chosen for important positions like the Senate.

The action by the Akwa Ibom youths has drawn attention to how political parties handle candidate selection. Supporters of open primaries say it promotes democracy and fairness. On the other hand, those who prefer consensus argue it helps avoid division and conflict within the party.

As the 2027 elections draw closer, such protests are likely to increase in different states. Young people are showing that they want to be part of the process and not just used during campaigns. Their demand for open contest is a clear message that the old way of doing things may no longer be accepted without pushback.

This development highlights the changing face of politics in Nigeria.
With more youths getting involved, parties may need to listen carefully to avoid bigger crises. For now, the people of Akwa Ibom are watching to see how party leaders will respond to the call for open and fair primaries.