The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Cross River State has triggered political shockwaves after denying return tickets to five serving members of the House of Representatives during its primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The outcome of the exercise, conducted across different federal constituencies in the state, has dramatically reshaped the political structure within the ruling party, ending the ambitions of several influential lawmakers who had hoped to retain their seats in the National Assembly.
Among the biggest casualties is Rt. Hon. Mike Etaba, the longtime representative of Etung/Obubra Federal Constituency. Etaba, who has spent years in the Green Chamber and remained a strong voice within the APC structure in Cross River Central, reportedly lost the party ticket to Blessing Egbara following a tense delegate contest.
Also affected is Rt. Hon. Alex Egbona of Abi/Yakurr Federal Constituency. Egbona, a prominent political figure and experienced legislator, was defeated by former Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. John Gaul Lebo, whose emergence is already being interpreted by many observers as a strategic political comeback.
In Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency, Hon. Godwin Offiono failed to secure the APC ticket for another term after delegates reportedly backed Dr Stella Odey-Ekpo. The development has sparked conversations within political circles in Northern Cross River, with supporters of Offiono expressing dissatisfaction over the outcome.
Hon. Emil Inyang of Akamkpa/Biase Federal Constituency was also denied a second-term opportunity after losing the APC ticket to Hon. Ngim Okpo. Likewise, Hon. Bassey Akiba of Odukpani/Calabar Municipality Federal Constituency lost his reelection bid amid intense internal party calculations and zoning considerations.
Despite the wave of defeats, some incumbents managed to survive the political storm.
Hon. Victor Abang, popularly known as “Mature,” successfully retained the APC ticket for Ikom/Boki Federal Constituency. His victory is believed to have been strengthened by his growing grassroots influence and strong support base across the constituency.
Hon. Peter Akpanke also emerged victorious to fly the APC flag again in Obudu/Bekwarra/Obanliku Federal Constituency, while Hon. Joseph Bassey secured another opportunity to represent Akpabuyo/Bakassi/Calabar South Federal Constituency under the ruling party.
Political analysts say the primaries reflect the APC leadership’s resolve to end the era of automatic tickets in Cross River politics, forcing incumbents to test their popularity through competitive delegate contests.
However, many APC supporters across the state have heavily criticised the conduct of the primaries, describing the exercise as a mere formality where the votes of delegates allegedly did not count.
Several party faithful accused the leadership of the party, particularly Governor Bassey Otu, of allegedly influencing outcomes in favour of preferred loyalists and political allies against the wishes of grassroots members and delegates.
The criticisms have been particularly loud in constituencies where powerful incumbents unexpectedly lost despite claims of widespread support among party members. Some aggrieved supporters alleged that the process was carefully controlled to produce predetermined winners, while others argued that internal democracy within the APC in Cross River remains under serious threat.
Although the APC leadership has yet to officially respond to the allegations, the growing dissatisfaction is already fueling tension within party ranks ahead of the 2027 general elections.
While supporters of newly emerged candidates celebrated the process as a victory for political renewal, loyalists of displaced lawmakers insist the primaries reflected elite political calculations rather than the true will of party members.
The outcome is expected to deepen political realignments within the APC as attention gradually shifts toward reconciliation efforts, possible defections, and coalition-building ahead of the general elections.
With several powerful incumbents now displaced, the race toward 2027 in Cross River State appears set to become one of the most intense political battles in recent years.
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