The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Cross River on Tuesday elected new state executives during a congress held at the U.J. Esuene Stadium in Calabar. Notably absent from the exercise were former Governor Ben Ayade, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment John Owan-Enoh, and Senator Jarigbe Agom-Jarigbe.
Also absent was Alphonsus Eba, who was removed from his position as state APC chairman in December 2025. No official reasons were provided for the absence of the key political figures.
The congress, originally scheduled to begin at 10 a.m., did not commence until about 8 p.m. Proceedings started after the arrival of Governor Bassey Otu and his entourage at the venue.
Despite the absence of some prominent members, the event recorded the presence of Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, representing Cross River South, and Senator Eteng Williams, representing Cross River Central. Party delegates from across the state also attended the congress.
At the end of the exercise, Mr. Chris Etta, a former member of the House of Representatives, emerged as the new state chairman of the APC in Cross River. He was elected as a consensus candidate.
Mr. Patrick Okon was also chosen by consensus as the state secretary of the party. Ugana Lukpata emerged as the deputy state chairman.
The congress committee chairman, Mr. Samuel Yarnap, called for the affirmation of the 36-member State Working Committee (SWC) through a voice vote. The delegates endorsed the committee accordingly.
Yarnap described Cross River as a peaceful state, commending party members for their orderly conduct throughout the congress. He praised the level of cooperation displayed during the process.
He urged members to continue supporting President Bola Tinubu and Governor Bassey Otu. According to him, such support was necessary to sustain good governance and strengthen the party’s position in the state.
In his acceptance remarks, the newly elected chairman, Chris Etta, pledged that the State Working Committee would begin work immediately. He noted that there was no time to waste, particularly with general elections drawing closer.
Etta said the committee members were aware of the responsibility placed on them. He added that they were prepared to work diligently for the growth of the party.
He emphasized the importance of consultation and inclusiveness in party affairs. According to him, the SWC would be open to ideas that could advance the APC in Cross River.
“We will serve diligently and consult widely on issues that concern the party,” Etta said. He appealed to members to contribute suggestions that would strengthen the party’s structure and unity.
Governor Otu, who attended the congress, commended delegates for maintaining peace throughout the process. He also praised the congress committee for successfully conducting the exercise.
The governor told the newly elected SWC that their task would require commitment and resilience. He warned that managing a political party was not an easy responsibility.
Otu expressed confidence in the capacity of the new chairman and his team. He advised them to ensure fairness and justice in handling party matters.
According to the governor, the new leadership must consolidate on the unity within the party. He said the APC in Cross River should continue to demonstrate progress, strong character, and effective organization.
“We only came to consolidate on the unity that exists among us,” Otu said. He added that the world would see the quality and wisdom within the party’s ranks.
The congress concluded with party members expressing optimism about the new leadership. The emergence of the State Working Committee marks a new phase for the APC in Cross River as it prepares for future political contests.
