Calabar, Cross River State – The All Progressive Congress (APC) in Cross River State has achieved a sweeping victory, winning all 18 Chairmanship positions and 196 councillorship seats in Saturday’s local government councils election.
The announcement was made on Sunday by Dr Ekong Bocco, Chairman of the State Independent Electoral Commission (CROSIEC), who also awarded certificates of return to the elected chairpersons.
In a historic outcome, the APC now holds full control across Cross River’s local government councils, marking a major consolidation of power at the grassroots level.
Among the newly elected chairpersons, 15 are men and 3 are women, adding some gender diversity to the local leadership.
Dr Bocco congratulated the newly elected leaders, reminding them of the vital role they play in governance and urging them to prioritise the promises they made to their communities.
“The responsibilities of local government are fundamental to democratic governance,” he emphasised, encouraging the officials to serve with dedication.
Representing the State’s Government, Hon. Emmanuel Ironbar, Chief of Staff to the Governor Bassey Otu, underscored the responsibilities awaiting the newly elected officials.
Speaking during the certification ceremony, Ironbar called on the leaders to focus on the “People’s First Mantra” set forth by Governor Otu, which promotes transparency, responsiveness, and active service to citizens.
The APC’s comprehensive victory is seen as a significant shift in the political landscape, further strengthening its influence across Cross River State.
This mandate, Ironbar noted, offers the administration a strong foundation to drive positive change in the lives of residents, as the new council heads are tasked with addressing local needs and bringing effective governance to the grassroots.
With their electoral triumph now certified, the elected officials face high expectations from the people of Cross River State to deliver on promises and uphold the principles of the administration.
CONVERSEER reports that there were irregularities in the electoral process following the outcry by some of the candidates and the electorate.
Here are the results of the Local Government election
– ABI LGA: APC 26,265, APP 146, PDP 811
– AKAMKPA LGA: APC 53,882, PDP 1,679
– AKPABUYO LGA: APC 25,164, LP 334, PDP 3,034
– BAKASSI LGA: APC 12,117, PDP 1,655, SDP 267
– BEKWARRA LGA: APC 31,521, PDP 2,035, YPP 576
– ETUNG LGA: APC 18,727, LP 2,551, PDP 1,457
– OBUDU LGA: APC 112,654, LP 4,747, PDP 2,585
– ODUKPANI LGA: APC 41,368, LP 710, PDP 1,110
– CALABAR MUNICIPALITY LGA: APC 38,354, LP 1,419, PDP 3,413
– BIASE LGA: APC 31,272, PDP 1,470
– BOKI LGA: APC 25,665, LP 2,645, PDP 2,168
– CALABAR SOUTH LGA: APC 46,525, PDP 3,611
– OBUBRA LGA: APC 59,791, PDP 692
– YAKURR LGA: APC 74,971, PDP 1,242
– YALA LGA: APC 93,462, LP 10,761, SDP 27, PDP 411
– OGOJA LGA: APC 26,392, LP 3,867, PDP 2,469
– IKOM LGA: APC 50,186, LP 4,128, PDP 2,937
– OBANLIKU LGA: APC 15,135, PDP 1,325