Ukorebi Esien | February 10, 2026
CALABAR – Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Cross River State have thrown their weight behind the re-election of incumbent chapter chairmen in seven local government areas ahead of the party's forthcoming congresses.
The affected local government areas are Boki, Bekwarra, Bakassi, Abi, Ogoja, Yala and Obanliku. The chairmen endorsed for another term include Chief Engr. Kelvin Njong (Boki), Comrade Odama Thomas Odama JP (Bekwarra), Sir Gerald Esin (Bakassi), Pst Joshua Igboke (Abi), Paul Ogeh Adinye (Ogoja), Ogar Solomon (Yala) and Pst George Ejikang (Obanliku).
The endorsements came from party leaders, elected officials, political appointees and other stakeholders, who, in separate interviews, said retaining the current leadership would guarantee continuity, stability and unity within the party at the grassroots level.
According to them, the incumbent chairmen have demonstrated commitment, loyalty and effective leadership, and possess the grassroots reach required to strengthen the APC ahead of future elections. They added that the chairmen represent a crop of emerging leaders who have grown within the party structure and should be allowed to consolidate on the gains already recorded in their respective LGAs.
Speaking on the Bakassi endorsement, a party stakeholder, Chief Emmanuel Nyong, described the chapter chairman, Sir Gerald Esin, as dedicated and loyal to the party. He said Esin's re-election would promote unity and ensure continuity in Bakassi, noting his consistent support for the administration of Governor Bassey Otu.
In Bekwarra, Chief Emmanuel Ogbang said stakeholders were overwhelmingly in support of Comrade Odama Thomas Odama JP for a second term, describing him as a bridge-builder who has fostered harmony between elders and younger politicians. He added that Odama's experience and administrative capacity have helped stabilise the party in the area.
Endorsing the Abi chapter chairman, Pst Joshua Igboke, party stalwart Justin Elemi said the local government needed a leader with strong grassroots appeal, stressing that there was no justification for changing a winning team at a critical political period.
In Ogoja, Chief Abang Abang said stakeholders were solidly behind the re-election of Paul Ogeh Adinye, citing his loyalty to party leadership and experience in party administration.
Similarly, a stakeholder from Obudu Urban, Stephen Adie, said the re-election of Pst George Ejikang as Obanliku chapter chairman was necessary, noting that the incumbent has remained steadfast with the APC despite past opposition pressure.
In Boki, stakeholders earlier endorsed Chief Engr. Kelvin Njong, who also serves as Chairman of the Forum of APC Chairmen and a commissioner in the State Forestry Commission. Njong was endorsed alongside the 11 ward councillors of the local government.
The endorsement exercise in Boki was led by the member representing Boki Constituency II in the Cross River State House of Assembly, Hillary Bisong, alongside the member representing Boki Constituency I, Philip Bette Obi, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters, Chief Jeke Enya.
Speaking on behalf of stakeholders, Bisong, who is also the Chief Whip of the State House of Assembly, said the decision was based on Njong's ability to promote unity, cohesion and a stable party structure across the local government area.
The stakeholders expressed confidence that the re-election of the incumbent chairmen would strengthen the APC ahead of its congresses and position the party for sustained success in Cross River State.
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