The outcome of the primaries has already stirred political conversations across Cross River, with several political heavyweights losing their grip on party tickets ahead of what is expected to be a fiercely contested 2027 election cycle.
By TheInvestigator
Five of the eight serving members of the House of Representatives from Cross River State have lost their bids to secure the All Progressives Congress (APC) tickets for the 2027 general elections, following the party’s primaries held on Saturday, May 16, 2026.
Among the major casualties are three-term lawmaker Rt Hon Mike Etaba of Etung/Obubra Federal Constituency, two-term member Rt Hon Alex Egbona of Abi/Yakurr, and Hon Godwin Offiono of Ogoja/Yala, all denied return tickets by the party.
Also edged out are Hon Emil Inyang of Akamkpa/Biase and Hon Bassey Akiba of Odukpani/Calabar Municipality, signaling a major political realignment within the APC in the state.
However, three incumbent lawmakers survived the party’s internal battle and clinched return tickets. They include Hon. Peter Akpanke for Obudu/Bekwarra/Obanliku (OBO), Hon Joseph Bassey for Akpabuyo/Bakassi/Calabar South (ABC), and Hon Victor Abang for Ikom/Boki Federal Constituency.
The APC candidates that emerged from the primaries are:
Ogoja/Yala – Dr Stella Odey-Ekpo
Akamkpa/Biase – Hon Ngim Okpo
Ikom/Boki – Hon. Victor Abang
Obudu/Bekwarra/Obanliku – Hon Peter Akpanke
Etung/Obubra – Blessing Egbara
Abi/Yakurr – Rt Hon John Gaul Lebo
Akpabuyo/Bakassi/Calabar South – Hon Joseph Bassey
Odukpani/Calabar Municipality – Hon Effefiong Nta Eke
The outcome of the primaries has already stirred political conversations across Cross River, with several political heavyweights losing their grip on party tickets ahead of what is expected to be a fiercely contested 2027 election cycle.
