At least five serving members of the National Assembly from Cross River State have lost their bids to return to the Senate and House of Representatives after the conclusion of the All Progressives Congress primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The party primaries for both chambers of the National Assembly were held between Saturday and Monday, producing a major shake-up among federal lawmakers from the state. Cross River currently has 11 representatives in the National Assembly, all elected on the platform of the APC.
Out of the eight members representing the state in the House of Representatives, only three secured tickets to seek another term. Those who emerged victorious include Joseph Bassey of Calabar South/Akpabuyo/Bakassi federal constituency, Peter Akpanke representing Obudu/Bekwarra/Obanliku, and Victor Abang of Ikom/Boki federal constituency.
Lawmakers who failed to clinch the party’s ticket are Emil Inyang of Biase/Akamkpa federal constituency, Bassey Akiba representing Calabar Municipality/Odukpani, Godwin Offiono of Yala/Ogoja, and Mike Etaba representing Obubra/Etung federal constituency.
Meanwhile, Alex Egbona, who represented Yakurr/Abi federal constituency, had earlier dumped the APC for the Peoples Democratic Party before the primaries commenced.
In the Senate race, the three incumbent senators from the state successfully secured their party tickets through affirmation exercises conducted in their respective senatorial districts.
Speaking after emerging victorious, Senator Eteng Williams of Cross River Central said his focus remained on human capital development, stressing that education opportunities for constituents would continue to receive priority.
“I have sent over 36 people abroad to study. My priority is human capital development. That is why I am sending so many people abroad to study,” he stated.
Also speaking, Senator Jarigbe Agom-Jarigbe of Cross River North pledged to sustain his constituency-driven projects across the district if returned to office in 2027.
On his part, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, representing Cross River South, promised to continue investing in youths, infrastructure, and transformative policies aimed at accelerating development across the district.
