- …Jarigbe, Okache, party stakeholders witness peaceful collation process in Ogoja
The Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, on Saturday night stormed the Ogoja Local Government Council Secretariat, venue for the collation of the All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Representatives primary election for the Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency, where Dr (Mrs) Stella Oreme Odey-Ekpo emerged winner following the peaceful conduct of the primaries across wards in Ogoja and Yala Local Government Areas amid a high turnout of party faithful.
Also present at the collation centre were the Senator representing Cross River Northern Senatorial District, Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, Chief Boniface Okache, JP, Chairmen of Ogoja and Yala Local Government Councils, Head of Personnel Staff to the Deputy Governor, Dr Chris Ojikpong, INEC officials from the affected LGAs, security personnel, party stakeholders, and supporters.
Speaking to journalists at the venue, the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey commended the peaceful conduct of the APC House of Representatives primaries, describing the process as a reflection of unity, internal democracy, and growing cohesion within the party.
Reacting to the massive turnout, Odey praised the orderly conduct of party members and supporters, noting that the large participation signified increasing confidence in the leadership of Governor, Senator Prince Bassey Otu and the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Commending returning officers, electoral officials, members of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and security agencies for ensuring a peaceful and credible exercise in the federal constituency, Odey congratulated Dr Stella Oreme Odey-Ekpo and all other candidates who emerged across the eight federal constituencies of the state.
Speaking shortly after her declaration, Dr. Stella Odey-Ekpo expressed gratitude to God, Governor Bassey Otu and his wife, party leaders, and the people of the Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency for their support throughout the process.
She described the primaries as peaceful, transparent, and in line with democratic principles, reiterating her belief that “no election is worth anybody’s blood.”
The APC candidate assured constituents of quality and inclusive representation if elected, while calling for unity among party members and stakeholders. She urged all supporters and former aspirants to place the collective interest and development of the Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency above personal interests.
Dr Stella Oreme Odey-Ekpo was declared winner by the Chairman of the Electoral Committee, Hon. Etim John, after polling a total of 5,287 votes to defeat other aspirants in the contest.
Hon. Godwin Offiono scored 396 votes, Hon. Mike Usibe polled 476 votes, Hon. Hipolatus Lukpata secured 267 votes, Cynthia Nkasi scored 186 votes, while Hadiza Ujah Offuboche garnered 230 votes.
Deputy Governor’s Press Unit, Government House, Calabar.
May 17, 2026
