Stakeholders and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Obubra 1 State Constituency of Cross River State have unanimously affirmed Ernest Joes as their preferred candidate for the Cross River State House of Assembly ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The affirmation exercise took place on Wednesday during the APC primaries held at the PCN Primary School Field, Ogada 2.
Speaking shortly after the exercise, former Chairman of Obubra Local Government Area and party leader, Bishop Chris Obasse, said the decision followed extensive consultations with party faithful, elders, youths, women groups, and community leaders across the four wards of the constituency.
According to him, all the wards unanimously voted in support of Ernest Joes to emerge as the party’s flag bearer for Obubra 1 due to his humility, accessibility, leadership capacity, and unwavering commitment to the welfare and development of the people.
He noted that the affirmation of his candidature reflects the overwhelming confidence and trust the people have in his ability to provide purposeful, effective, and people-oriented representation at the State Assembly.
Stakeholders at the primaries described Ernest Joes as a grassroots politician with a deep understanding of the challenges facing the constituency, stressing that his emergence symbolizes hope, unity, and a renewed drive for development in Obubra 1.
They maintained that the affirmation was a collective decision taken in the best interest of the party in particular and Obubra 1 State Constituency in general, with the aim of ensuring effective representation, empowerment opportunities, and sustainable progress for the people.
Responding to the affirmation and overwhelming support, Ernest Joes thanked the party faithful and stakeholders for the confidence reposed in him, declaring that “the Assembly is for the people” and promising to provide inclusive representation that would prioritize the needs and aspirations of constituents.
He also expressed gratitude to the Governor of Cross River State, Bassey Otu, for the confidence reposed in him and for what he described as the transformation of the state into a peaceful, secure, and progressive haven.
Ernest Joes further declared that Obubra 1 was entering “a season of sweetness,” assuring the people that a new era of empowerment, unity, quality representation, and visible development was on the horizon. He appealed to constituents to sustain their support as the party prepares for the general elections.
According to him, his vision is centered on creating opportunities for youths and women, improving infrastructure, supporting education, and ensuring that the voice of Obubra 1 is strongly represented at the Cross River State House of Assembly.
The event attracted party stakeholders, community representatives, women leaders, youths, and supporters from different parts of the constituency, all of whom pledged their commitment towards ensuring victory for Ernest Joes in the 2027 polls.
