Two aspirants of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Cross River Central Senatorial District, Eteng Jones Williams and Mary Ekpere, have rejected the primary election results circulating on social media. They declared that no primary election took place across the 66 wards in the district.
Aspirants Dispute Primary Process
In separate statements issued on Monday, the aspirants urged their supporters and party faithful to disregard the purported results, describing them as fictitious and designed to cause division within the APC. Williams, who closely monitored the process, said his team visited all 66 wards and confirmed that no voting occurred anywhere in the district. He added that in his own community, which has over 1,000 registered voters, no voting materials arrived, denying residents the opportunity to participate.
“I do not understand this desperation. Elections are meant to test popularity on the field, not through the back door,” Williams stated.
Ms Ekpere expressed disappointment at the alleged unfair treatment. “As an aspirant, I neither saw the electoral materials nor was I allowed to cast a vote for myself. We are all members of this party and Governor Bassey Otu’s children. We only ask to be treated fairly and equally,” she said.
Oden Ewa Declared Winner
Meanwhile, Oden Ewa has won the APC Cross River Central Senatorial District Primary Election, securing the party’s ticket ahead of the 2027 general elections. The result was declared by the Returning Officer, Eyo NSA Ekpo, on Monday, after the collation exercise at the Ikom Local Council Hall. Ewa polled 32,426 votes, while his closest rival, Mary Ekpere, scored 991, and Eteng Jones scored 726 votes.
The immediate past Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs under Governor Bassey Edet Otu expressed appreciation to the party leaders, delegates, members, and his followers, noting that the resounding victory is a testimony of the hard work and contributions to the development of his district, state, and people over the years. Ewa also commended Governor Bassey Otu for the level playing field and environment he provided, as well as for the stability, peace, and progress that the state has enjoyed since he took office.
The former Commissioner also expressed appreciation to Otu for granting him the opportunity and privilege not only to serve in his government for about three years but also to contest the primary as a first timer. Ewa charged his followers and supporters not to take the overwhelming victory for granted, stressing that it is a call for further work as the greatest task, which is winning the election, lies ahead.
Call for Unity
He also extended the olive branch and hand of fellowship to his fellow contestants, urging them to close ranks and work with him in securing victory for the party. “My victory is a victory for everyone, a collective victory and not an individual,” he said.
