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Tag: APC

  • Endorsement of state, federal lawmakers from Yakurr undermines Gov Otu, APC leadership – Group

    Endorsement of state, federal lawmakers from Yakurr undermines Gov Otu, APC leadership – Group

    By Our Reporter

    A political pressure group, Advocates For Good Governance In Central Senatorial District (AGGCSD), has expressed its disapproval of the purported endorsement of some state and federal lawmakers of Yakurr origin for the 2027 general elections.

    The group in a statement on Wednesday 23 April, 2025, said the action of those involve in the charade directly challenges and undermines the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Cross River.

    Below is the statement;

    ENDORSEMENT OF ELECTED OFFICIALS OTHER THAN THE GOVERNOR AND DEPUTY, IS NULL AND VOID

    “Only the Governor and His Deputy are guaranteed a return ticket ” Alphonsus Eba (State Chairman,  APC CRS)

    The attention of well meaning party faithfuls and advocates of good governance of Central Senatorial District has been drawn to a purported gathering to endorse elected members of Yakurr origin at both State and Federal levels.

    We wish to state categorically that such desperate attempts to secure goodwill is not only laughable but another purid attempt to undermine the Leadership of the All Progressives Congress, Cross River State.

    This attempt calculated to deceive party faithfuls goes to show the utter disregard for the party’s position that, only The Governor and His Deputy are guaranteed a return ticket.

    This Position was expressly communicated by the State Party Chairman, in his statewide press conference held on the 1st of April, 2025.  A position that was consolidated at the enlarged Caucus meeting held on the 15th of April,  2025 at the HOGIS Royal Hotel, Calabar.

    Quoting the Chairman verbatim;

    “In the Politics of Cross River State, we want to use this opportunity to make it widely known. That anybody who aspires to run for any office apart from the Office of the Governor and deputy Governor of the State, those who are already sitting, they have the right to aspire, those who intend to take over those seats from them, also have the right to aspire, and we have not given automatic seats or ticket to anybody, apart from the Governor and Deputy Governor.”

    We therefore admonish the Leadership of Yakurr LGA to be wary of such nefarious antics of those who are selfishly seeking to assume Par with their excellencies by ambushing and cajoling the party leaders to extend  such endorsement to themselves.

    It is therefore herein stated that any such endorsement is not only null and void but inconsequential and should be completely disregarded. As it defies not just the prevailing reality but seeks to put our LGA in bad light. 

    We therefore join our voices with those of reason, and statesmen Iike Chief Obono  Obla who have boldly come out to condemn such fictitious endorsement charades.

  • Gov Otu’s exceptional performance has made APC attractive, Oden Ewa says as he welcomes defectors in Ugep

    Gov Otu’s exceptional performance has made APC attractive, Oden Ewa says as he welcomes defectors in Ugep

    By Kelvin Obambon

    There is no other silver bullet that makes the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Cross River more attractive to members of opposition parties than the exceptional performance and purposeful leadership of the state governor.

    This was the view of the Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Hon. Oden Ewa. He stated this on Saturday 19 April, 2025, when he and other leaders of the APC received hundreds of members of opposition parties that decamped to the APC in Ugep, Yakurr local government area.

    According to the Commissioner, people will seek to belong to a Party where there is a clear sense of direction, purpose and visionary leadership which are essential for peace and stability. He said beyond the Party, Governor Bassey Otu has continue to set new benchmark for governance in the state as visibly demonstrated in the incredible achievements recorded just within two years in office.

    Oden Ewa stated that those who defected to the APC are people that love the progress and development of Cross River State, hence their defection is a reflection of their support and endorsement of the Governor’s good works.

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    “Welcome to a party that resonates with the sweetness of the season. Your decision to join the party is not farfetched. I know your decision to join the party is because you have seen the good works that the leader of this party,  His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Otu has been doing. Two weeks ago we received an award on behalf of the Governor, as the Best Governor in Nigeria for his economic transformation.

    “I want to say here today that there’s no politics without the economics of the people. And the governor has done so well. He’s the first amongst equals. Is it Edo, is it Imo? Everywhere he goes he delivers. And that is what APC, the party you just joined represents. We represent progress, we represent the people,” he said.

    Some of the bigwigs that defected to the APC with their supporters were Obol Dr Thomas Ofem aka Bob T; Prince Nolly Abam Inah; Ojeje Marcus Okoi; Arikpo Ubongha Eyong; Archibong Okoi Obuli among others.

    Dr Abubakar Efoli, Vice Chairman of APC Central, received the defectors on behalf of the state chairman, Barr. Alphonsus Eba.

  • Gov Otu, Wife, APC Chairman Welcome PDP Dep Governorship Candidate, Emana To APC

    Gov Otu, Wife, APC Chairman Welcome PDP Dep Governorship Candidate, Emana To APC

    Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, on Sunday formally received the 2023 governorship Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) in the state, Dr Emana Duke Ambroose-Amawhe to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The former PDP Deputy Governorship Candidate had via her X (formerly Twitter) announced her defection to her new party before her meeting with the Governor, her wife, the state chairman of the APC and the Chief of Staff to the Governor on Sunday.

    Following the announcement of her defection, Emana was led to Governor Bassey Otu and his wife by the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress in Cross River State, Barrister Alphonsus Ogar Eba.

    Speaking with our Correspondent on phone, Emana said “I only went to greet His Excellency, the Governor and His Wife, Her Excellency Bishop Eyoanwan Bassey Otu as a mark of respect and to formally inform them of my movement.

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    “The day of my formal and ceremonial movement to my New Party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), along with thousand of my supporters and other big names will be made known soon,” she said.

    Dr Emana Duke Ambroose-Amawhe, had recently resigned her membership from the Peoples Democratic Party.

    Her resignation letter dated
    March 28, 2025, and addressed to the chairman of Edem Odo Ward in Akpabuyo local government area of Cross River State, was with immediate effect.

    She said her decision to leave the PDP  was not made lightly, but she remains committed to serving her community and contributing to the progress of Cross River state and the country in other capacities.

    Dr Ambros-Amawhe was the Deputy Governorship Candidate to Senator Sandy Onor during the 2023 elections in Cross River State.

    She was also an aspirant for the House of Representatives ticket in Bakassi/Akpabuyo/Calabar South Federal Constituency also on the platform of the PDP.

  • Cross River APC Endorses Governor Otu, Deputy for 2027 Election

    Cross River APC Endorses Governor Otu, Deputy for 2027 Election

    By Asuquo Cletus

    The Cross River State Working and Executive Committees of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have unanimously endorsed Governor Bassey Otu and his deputy, Peter Odey, as the party’s sole candidates for the 2027 gubernatorial election.

    Declaring their decision on Monday during a press briefing at the party’s secretariat, the state party chairman Alphonsus Eba, emphasized the duo’s leadership, loyalty, and governance track record, affirming that “nobody changes a winning team.”

    Alphonsus also called on all members and support groups to mobilize for grassroots outreach while reaffirming its stance against unauthorized legal actions in its name.

    Addressing concerns over political inclusivity, APC leadership maintained that other positions remain open for contest, except for the governorship and deputy governorship seats.

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    He said “It’s been almost one year and ten months in office. I’ve come to show that we made the best choice. They say that one good time deserves another. It’s why we have decided to start, and to make it known, that in front of the Peregrino Government House of Cross River States, the State Working Committee of the party, and the State Executive Committee of the party, met today, and have come and resolved that Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, is our sole candidate for the Governorship election of 2027.

    “It was a joint ticket that they had, with His Excellency, the present acting Governor, RT Hon Peter Odey, a young man whom we have found so much loyalty, we have seen so much intellect, we have seen so much support base to the Governor.

    “Nobody changes a winning team, and we know that the Governor is a man that is filled with wisdom. It is therefore the decision of this party, that these two best pair, by the special grace of God, will fly the flag of our party in 2027.

    “All party members, support groups, are therefore commissioned to freely go into the field, and to continue the evangelical mission that will now take them to the field. Nobody speaks to the converted. We need to do more work, with our brothers and sisters in the opposition, to join hands with us.

    “This is because, Cross River State politics has been run on a trajectory of peace, love, unity, growth, and perfect understanding, of movement from the South, that went to the Central, and went to the North, and has now berthed back in the South.

    “And because the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria guarantees the right to seek second term, and because this party is in full support of His Excellency, the Governor and his deputy, even if he is unwilling to run, we are saying that we will procure only one ticket, and we will have his name, just like we did in 2023. We are appealing to him, to hack into the heartbeat of members of our party, that wants him to continue the good works.”

    He praised Governor Otu and Acting Governor Odey for their alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, asserting it was a necessary step to prevent conflict escalation.

    “We want to also use this opportunity to thank His Excellency the Governor, and even while he was not here, to use the opportunity of the action of the Acting Governor of the State, who came out very boldly to giving support to the action of Mr. President, when a state of emergency was declared in River State.

    “That action that has brought peace today in River State, which some persons in the South-South Governors Forum almost misrepresented the position of Cross River State, but for which the Acting Governor of Cross River State came out boldly, courageously, to say that he was never consulted as Acting Governor, a position that we are so proud of, that our boss, the Governor himself, who is on short vacation, also agreed with totally.

    “We are proud of our leaders. And we use this opportunity to commend Mr. President for that bold action, which truly, truly has brought peace today, because the drums of war that we started witnessing when the letter of service of impeachment notice was sent, was acting of almost like the return of the Armageddon, but that today has been saved, and we say all thanks to God.

    “In the politics of Cross River State, we want to use this opportunity to make it widely known that anybody who aspires to run for any office apart from the office of the Governor and Deputy Governor of the State, those who are already sitting, they have the right to aspire.

    “Those who intend to take over those seats from them also have a right to aspire, and we have not given automatic seats or tickets to anybody apart from the Governor and Deputy Governor. Everybody is therefore enjoined to please return back to their constituents, and work with them to make sure they get the support of their people.

    “A lot of persons who have not properly engaged should know that there is still time for engagement, because primaries will only be sometime next year around this time, and therefore, for the little efforts that have been made, they can only build on it,” he added.

    The APC also promised to unseat Senator Jarigbe Agom of the People’s Democratic Party in the National Assembly.

  • APC CRS Congratulates Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong On His Recognition As Young Global Leader By THISDAY Award

    APC CRS Congratulates Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong On His Recognition As Young Global Leader By THISDAY Award

    The State Chairman Alphonsus Ogar Eba Esq JP and the entire State Executive Committee Members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Cross River State joyfully celebrates you, Distinguished Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, on your remarkable achievement in being honored with the prestigious Thisday Award for Young Global Leader at the event held at Eko Hotel, Lagos, on January 27, 2025.

    Your outstanding accomplishments first as the former Commissioner for Finance, Cross River State and now as a Senator representing the good people of Cross River Southern Senatorial district, have continued to set the benchmarks for excellence, effective leadership and service.

    This award serves as a recognition not just of your potential but of the milestones you have already achieved in governance and public life.

    We are incredibly proud of your accomplishments and we are confident that this award will further inspire you to continue striving for excellence in service to our party, state and nation.

    As a party, we appreciate your loyalty and collaboration with our dear leader, His Excellency,  Apostle Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu.

    We urge you to see this award as a call to stay humble and loyal to the party and it’s leadership; committed, honest and dedicated to your constituents, above all, to remain fully focused on your duties as a legislator so that at the end of your first term, you should have earned the confidence of party and it’s leadership to seek re election back to the National Assembly.

    We use this medium to further pray for God’s protection over you as well as your growth and prosperity even as we encourage you to continue to close ranks with the leadership of our great party in all you do.

    Congratulations once again Distinguished Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong.

    SIGNED

    Hon. Emmanuel Edem Inyang JP
    Publicity Secretary
    All Progressives Congress
    Cross River State

    28th January, 2025.

  • Efenji Nicholas canvasses support for APC Chairmanship candidate in Bekwarra

    Efenji Nicholas canvasses support for APC Chairmanship candidate in Bekwarra

    Former aspirant, Efenji Nicholas, has begun canvassing support for the chairmanship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bekwarra local government area, Hon. Theresa Ushie.

    The MD/CEO of Efenji Homes and Properties, who lost out in the chairmanship primaries, had pledged his unalloyed support, and as well as urged all his supporters to queue behind the APC and all the party’s candidates for the November 2nd local government elections in Bekwarra.

    During the APC campaign that commenced in his hometown of Gakem, Beten and Otukpuru wards on Tuesday 29th October, 2024, Efenji Nicholas appealed to the good people of Bekwarra to support Hon. Ushie, whom he described as a leader with a developmental mindset that understood the peculiar challenges of the people.

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    He said that the ultimate goal of all the APC candidates in the local government area is to serve the best interests of Bekwarra, hence the people should feel confident in giving them their mandates.

  • Cross River APC Legacy Group Disclaims Unauthorized Meeting in Ogoja, Reaffirms Support for Governor Otu

    Cross River APC Legacy Group Disclaims Unauthorized Meeting in Ogoja, Reaffirms Support for Governor Otu

    The attention of the Cross River APC Legacy Group has been drawn to a purported meeting allegedly scheduled for October 31, 2024, in Ogoja, by individuals claiming to represent the Cross River North APC Legacy Group. As the State Chairman of the Cross River APC Legacy Group, I, Hon. Eyo Nsa Ekpo, Esq., wish to categorically state that no such meeting has been sanctioned by the leadership of the Legacy Group in Cross River State.

    This purported meeting, called without consultation or authorization from the group’s leadership, is both unauthorized and mischievous. We consider it an attempt by certain faceless elements to misuse the name of the APC Legacy Group in Cross River State, possibly as a guise to undermine the goodwill and stability our group enjoys with His Excellency, the Governor of Cross River State. It is disheartening that such efforts are being made to use the group as a tool for divisive purposes, particularly when our focus remains on supporting the Governor and contributing positively to the growth of our state.

    The Cross River APC Legacy Group stands firmly behind the Governor, recognizing his commendable leadership and efforts to inclusively carry the group along, especially in the ongoing appointments and preparations for the forthcoming Local Government elections. The Governor’s consideration for the Legacy Group’s involvement reflects his commitment to acknowledging our contributions and ensuring a cohesive and united APC in Cross River State.

    Furthermore, it should be noted that the APC Legacy Group operates with established leadership structures across the state, including in the northern senatorial district. Any member with concerns or issues is encouraged to use the proper channels to relay them. Bypassing these established channels is not only disrespectful but also undermines the unity and purpose of the group. Any unauthorized use of the name “APC Legacy Group” by individuals or factions within the state constitutes a breach of trust and is in clear violation of our organizational protocols.

    We, therefore, advise all members of the Legacy Group, especially those in Cross River North, to disregard the purported meeting on October 31, 2024. Such unauthorized gatherings serve only to disrupt our collective mission and sow unnecessary discord within the party.

    The Cross River APC Legacy Group remains committed to supporting the Governor’s developmental agenda and ensuring that the APC remains strong and united in service to the people of Cross River State.

    We urge all members to remain vigilant and committed to the group’s ideals, focusing on our shared goals and vision. Let us continue to work together, supporting our leaders through the proper structures, for the benefit of Cross River State and the APC.

    Thank you.

    Signed,

    Hon. Eyo Nsa Ekpo, Esq.
    State Chairman
    Cross River APC Legacy Group

  • Bianca Ojukwu: Anambra APC accuses Tinubu of anti-party, threatens mass defection

    Bianca Ojukwu: Anambra APC accuses Tinubu of anti-party, threatens mass defection

    By Ovat Abeng

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders in Anambra State have rejected Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu’s nomination as a minister-designate by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing it as an “anti-party action.”

    During an emergency meeting of party stakeholders in Awka on Thursday, the APC leaders questioned the rationale behind the president’s decision to appoint her without consulting party members.

    They described the appointment as a gross violation of party loyalty that undermines the morale of their members.

    High Chief Bunty Onuigbo, South East Zonal Secretary of APC and member of the APC Elders Forum in Anambra, spoke on behalf of the stakeholders.

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    “This is nothing but an act of anti-party, and it is detrimental. By empowering members of other political parties at the expense of the APC in Anambra State, Mr. President is not supporting party loyalty,” Onuigbo stated.

    He questioned the implications of the appointment, asking, “Does Mr. President want a mass defection of APC members in Anambra to the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA)? Is he indirectly working for APGA in Anambra State?”

    He expressed that the situation is both “unheard of and highly demoralising,” lamenting that the leadership in Abuja seems to be enhancing the fortunes of rival parties at the expense of the APC.

    Onuigbo criticized APGA for monopolizing benefits from programmes or empowerment schemes, which he claimed only served their members while taking credit for initiatives that should include all stakeholders.

    “This is a group that despises the APC and wants nothing to do with us. Mr. President is encouraging them by making such appointments,” he said.

    Onuigbo announced that APC stakeholders have decided to formally present their grievances regarding these appointments to the state Chairman, Chief Basil Ejidike, for submission to the National Working Committee (NWC) and the National Executive Committee (NEC).

  • Cross River State LG Polls: Orok Duke attends APC state caucus meeting, congratulates chairmanship candidates

    Cross River State LG Polls: Orok Duke attends APC state caucus meeting, congratulates chairmanship candidates

     

    The Commissioner representing Cross River State on the board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Rt. Hon. Orok Duke, on Monday 14th October, 2024 attended the caucus meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Calabar.

    The meeting presided over by the state governor, Senator Prince Bassey Otu, was part of preparations by the ruling Party for the November 2nd local government elections.

    The APC had opted for a consensus arrangement to produce candidates for the chairmanship and councillorship positions in the 18 local government areas and across the 196 political wards in the state, emphasizing on an all-inclusive and equitable process that ensures justice and fairness.

    Having worked assiduously to superintend over a seamless and rancour-free process in which every party man and woman was carried along in his ward 5, Calabar South local government area, Rt. Hon. Orok Duke was fulfilled to listen attentively as the governor announced names of candidates for the 18 LGAs that emerged through consensus.

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    Satisfied with the entire process, the former deputy speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly lauded Governor Bassey Otu for his statesmanship and foresight that delivered such a peaceful and acceptable party primary.

    While congratulating all the APC chairmanship candidates, especially the one for Calabar South, Rt. Hon. Orok Duke expressed confidence that they would come out victorious in the actual election slated for November 2nd, 2024.

    He then used the opportunity to appeal to Cross Riverians to rally round all the candidates of the APC in order to step down to the grassroots and accelerate the People’s First governance agenda of the Party.

  • An Appeal From The Good People Of Boki LGA

    An Appeal From The Good People Of Boki LGA

    His Excellency,
    Governor Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu
    Government House,
    Calabar, Cross River State.

    Your Excellency,

    We, the people of Boki Local Government Area, hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. We are writing to express our united and strong endorsement of Hon. Douglas Ogar as our consensus candidate for the position of Chairman of Boki LGA.

    Hon. Ogar embodies the qualities that Boki needs to stabilize the waters during these challenging times. He has earned the trust and acceptance of both the youth and the elderly, creating a robust coalition that bridges generational divides. His ability to engage with diverse demographics ensures a unified and inclusive approach to governance.

    Furthermore, Hon. Ogar’s humility and peaceful nature will go a long way in sustaining the peace that the Boki people currently enjoy, a legacy established by our former Chairman, Hon. Pastor John Ewa. This commitment to peace and harmony is crucial as we move forward.

    Moreover, Hon. Ogar possesses the political will and determination to secure victories for our party, evidenced by his consistent track record of successful campaigns. His unwavering commitment to our community and the APC will undoubtedly translate into effective leadership.

    The zoning dynamics also favor Hon. Ogar and the good people of Abo Ward, who stand solidly behind him. This widespread support not only strengthens his candidacy but also aligns with our collective goal for equitable representation in leadership.

    We kindly appeal to you, Your Excellency, to lend your esteemed support to Hon. Douglas Ogar. Your endorsement would significantly enhance his candidacy and promote a vision of progress and development for Boki LGA.

    Thank you for considering this request. We remain hopeful for your support and look forward to a brighter future for our community under capable leadership.

    Yours sincerely,

    The People of Boki Local Government Area.