The recent All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries in Cross River have led to a significant shake-up in the state's representation at the National Assembly. No fewer than five members currently serving at the National Assembly from Cross River lost their return bid to the Green and Red Chambers. They won't be returning to their seats.

The primaries for both the Green and Red Chambers were concluded between Saturday and Monday. Cross River has a total of 11 lawmakers at the National Assembly, with all the members from the same ruling APC. The state has a total of eight representatives in the House of Representatives, and three in the Senate. It's worth stating that all these members are from the APC.

While the three senators won the APC tickets ahead of the 2027 general elections, only three out of the eight House of Representatives aspirants seeking return were successful in their primaries. The victorious lawmakers are the representatives of Calabar South/Akpabuyo/Bakassi, Joseph Bassey; Obudu/Bekwarra/Obanliku federal constituency, Peter Akpanke; and Ikom/Boki federal constituency, Victor Abang. They're the ones who will be moving forward.

The lawmakers who lost out are Emil Inyang (Biase/Akamkpa federal constituency), Bassey Akiba (Calabar Municipality/Odukpani), Godwin Offiono (Yala/Ogoja), and Mike Etaba (Obubra/Etung). However, Alex Egbona, who represented Yakurr/Abi in the federal constituency, defected to the PDP shortly before the APC primaries. He won't be running on the APC ticket.

The three senators emerged victorious from their respective primaries through affirmations. Eteng Williams, Cross River Central, promised to prioritize human capital development as he seeks to return to the Red Chamber. Mr Williams disclosed that he had been able to facilitate foreign scholarships for 36 members of his constituency within the last three years of his stewardship. He's focused on developing his constituents' skills.

"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. It's clear that he's committed to this cause.

On his part, Jarigbe Agom-Jarigbe, Cross River North, vowed to continue with his people-oriented projects across the senatorial district if reelected in 2027. He won't stop working for his people. Also, Asuquo Ekpenyong, representing the Southern senatorial district of the state, said he would continue with his deliberate choice of investing in young people, infrastructural development, as well as policies that would transform the district. They're all committed to their constituents.

  • Five members of the National Assembly from Cross River lost their return bid.
  • The primaries for both the Green and Red Chambers were concluded between Saturday and Monday.
  • Cross River has a total of 11 lawmakers at the National Assembly, with all the members from the same ruling APC.
  • The state has a total of eight representatives in the House of Representatives, and three in the Senate.
  • The victorious lawmakers are Joseph Bassey, Peter Akpanke, and Victor Abang. They're the ones who won their primaries.

The outcome of the primaries has significant implications for the people of Cross River, as it will affect the representation of their interests at the National Assembly. The fact that only three out of the eight House of Representatives aspirants seeking return were successful in their primaries suggests that there may be a change in the state's representation in the House of Representatives. This change won't be easy to navigate.

As the 2027 general elections approach, the people of Cross River will be watching with keen interest to see how their representatives will fare. They're eager to know what's next. The APC primaries have set the stage for what promises to be an interesting election season in the state. With the three senators emerging victorious from their respective primaries, the focus will now shift to the House of Representatives, where the battle for representation will be fierce. It's going to be a tough fight.

In the midst of all this, the people of Cross River will be hoping that their representatives will prioritize their interests and work towards the development of the state. They don't want to be left behind. With the promise of human capital development, people-oriented projects, and investment in young people, the stage is set for a new era of representation in Cross River. It's a new beginning.

The recent developments in Cross River are a reminder that the outcome of the APC primaries can have far-reaching consequences for the people of the state. As the elections approach, it's essential for the people to be informed and engaged in the process, to ensure that their interests are represented at the National Assembly. They can't afford to be disconnected.

The fact that Alex Egbona defected to the PDP shortly before the APC primaries is a significant development, as it suggests that there may be divisions within the party. The implications of this defection will be closely watched, as it may affect the party's chances in the 2027 general elections. They won't know the full impact until later.

The outcome of the APC primaries in Cross River has set the stage for an interesting election season in the state. With the promise of human capital development, people-oriented projects, and investment in young people, the people of Cross River will be watching with keen interest to see how their representatives will fare in the 2027 general elections. They're waiting to see what happens next. The future of Cross River's representation in the National Assembly is uncertain, but one thing is clear: the people of Cross River won't be ignored. They'll be heard.

The elections will bring a new wave of change to the state, and it's unclear what the outcome will be, but the people of Cross River are ready to move forward.