By Ita Williams, Calabar
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has concluded its direct primary election for the 2027 Cross River State House of Assembly elections, producing Hon. Effiong Ekarika and Hon. Majori Asuquo as candidates for Calabar South Constituencies 1 and 2 respectively.
The affirmation exercise otherwise called Direct Primary was conducted on Wednesday across the 18 local government areas of Cross River State alongside similar exercises nationwide.
Speaking shortly after emerging victorious in Calabar South Constituency 1, Hon. Ekarika expressed gratitude to God and his supporters for what he described as an overwhelming show of confidence.
“I want to first thank God Almighty for preserving our lives and granting us good health to witness this day,” he said.
He also appreciated party faithful and supporters who turned out in large numbers during the exercise.
A total of 3188 supporters queued behind the house member as the party faithful turned up massively for the affirmation exercise.
According to Effiong, the crowd witnessed during the primary election, was only a glimpse of what to expect during the 2027 general election.
“This is just a tip of the iceberg. Come 2027, people will see the real strength of our support base,” Ekarika stated.
The lawmaker noted that leadership qualities could not be purchased with money but were built through trust, commitment, and service to the people.
He stressed that sovereignty belongs to the people, citing Section 14 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended.
Ekarika said government derives its powers and authority from the people and must always prioritise their welfare and security.
“The welfare and security of the people shall remain the primary purpose of government,” he added.
The lawmaker maintained that he had remained accessible to his constituents at all times, including emergencies at odd hours.
He explained that his responsiveness to the people accounted for the massive support he continued to enjoy within the constituency.
Speaking on his achievements, Ekarika referenced one of the motions he sponsored at the Cross River State House of Assembly.
He said the motion called on the state government to revive commercial and maritime activities in Marina, Calabar.
According to him, the revival of the Marina would improve the economy and living standards of residents in the coastal communities.
He noted that Calabar once served as Nigeria’s first capital before the administrative headquarters was moved to Lagos.
Ekarika argued that Calabar possesses enormous maritime and economic potential due to its proximity to Europe and access to territorial waters.
He urged the state government, Federal Government, and the Nigerian Ports Authority to collaborate toward revitalising marine activities in the area.
Also speaking after her emergence as APC candidate for Calabar South Constituency 2, Hon. Majori Asuquo said the victory reflected the people’s desire for change and improved representation.
she described the victory as a triumph for women and grassroots politics.
She said many women turned out massively during the primary election because they wanted greater inclusion in governance.
Asuquo promised to prioritise effective representation and ensure that government responds to the needs of the people.
She also commended Governor Bassey Otu and the First Lady for promoting women empowerment in the state.
The former DG of the Women Development Centre noted that more women were now occupying political positions than ever before in Cross River State.
Party leaders and supporters later expressed optimism that the APC would record victory during the 2027 general election.
She promised to effectively communicate the needs of the people to government and ensure that development reached the grassroots.
In his remarks former lawmaker and current Cross River State Representative, Governing Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Chief Hon. Orok Duke weighed in on the issue of legislative continuity.
He argued that lawmakers should ordinarily be allowed to complete at least two terms in office.
According to Hon. Orok, the first term provides an opportunity to understand legislative procedures while the second term allows for consolidation and measurable impact.
Ward Chairman of APC Ward 2, Mr. Nsa Emmanuel Edem, described Hon. Ekarika as a grassroots politician loved by the people.
He said party leaders and supporters had worked tirelessly to ensure the success of the primary election and the return of the lawmaker in 2027.
