The All Progressives Congress (APC) has emerged victorious in eight local government areas of Cross River State, as results from the November 2 local government elections continue to be announced. The outcome marks a strong showing for the ruling party in the state’s grassroots governance structure.
The Chairman of the Cross River State Independent Electoral Commission (CROSIEC), Ekong Boco, confirmed these results on Sunday at the commission’s headquarters in Calabar, providing a detailed breakdown of the party’s sweeping success across various local government areas.
In what appears to be a decisive victory in Obudu Local Government Area, the APC’s Peter Undiandeye secured an overwhelming mandate with 112,654 votes, representing the highest number of votes recorded among all declared results. This substantial victory in Obudu, a key political constituency in the state, underscores the party’s strong grassroots presence.
The electoral triumph extended to Akamkpa Local Government Area, where APC candidate Akposi Felix garnered 53,882 votes, while in Odukpani, Etim Asideo clinched victory with 41,368 votes. The pattern of success continued in Bekwarra Local Government Area, where Ushie Theresa secured the chairmanship position with 31,551 votes.
In Abi Local Government Area, the APC’s Egballa Bassey emerged victorious with 26,265 votes, while Effiom Effiong claimed victory in Akpabuyo with 25,164 votes. The party’s winning streak extended to Etung Local Government Area, where Henry Njah secured 18,727 votes, and Bakassi, where Okon Etim triumphed with 12,117 votes.
Speaking to journalists while announcing the results, CROSIEC Chairman Boco addressed the delayed announcement of results, citing significant logistical challenges faced by the commission. He pointed to the state’s difficult terrain, considerable distances between local government areas and the state capital, and the poor condition of roads in several locations as major factors contributing to the delayed collation and announcement of results.
The electoral outcome demonstrates the APC’s consolidated political influence in Cross River State, building upon its previous successes in the state. The party’s victory in these local government elections could have far-reaching implications for grassroots development and governance in the affected areas, as the newly elected chairmen will be responsible for implementing local development initiatives and managing council resources.
The successful conduct of these elections, despite logistical challenges, represents a crucial step in strengthening local democracy and ensuring effective governance at the grassroots level. The elected chairmen are expected to assume office soon and begin implementing their various campaign promises and development agenda for their respective local government areas.
These results from the Cross River State local government elections come at a time when the nation’s attention is increasingly focused on governance at the local level, with growing emphasis on the importance of strong local government administration in driving grassroots development and delivering democratic dividends to citizens.
The election results suggest a strong mandate for the APC in Cross River State, potentially positioning the party for future electoral contests while reinforcing its political structure at the grassroots level. As the remaining results continue to trickle in, political observers and citizens alike await the final outcome in other local government areas, which will complete the picture of local government leadership across the state.
The success of these elections, despite the challenges faced in result collation and announcement, demonstrates the commitment of CROSIEC to conducting credible local government elections, even while navigating the unique geographical and infrastructural challenges that characterize Cross River State’s political landscape.
