Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Cross River State have thrown their weight behind the re-election of incumbent chapter chairmen in seven local government areas, describing the move as a deliberate effort to strengthen the party through youthful, grassroots-driven leadership ahead of the forthcoming congresses.
The stakeholders said the chairmen represent a new generation of party leaders who have grown within the APC structure and possess the energy, organisational capacity and grassroots connection required to reposition the party for future electoral contests.
The chairmen endorsed for a second term include Chief Engr. Kelvin Njong of Boki, Comrade Odama Thomas Odama JP of Bekwarra, Sir Gerald Esin of Bakassi, Pst Joshua Igboke of Abi, Paul Ogeh Adinye of Ogoja, Ogar Solomon of Yala and Pst George Ejikang of Obanliku.
Speaking in separate interviews across the affected local government areas, party leaders and stakeholders said the decision to retain the relatively young chapter chairmen was informed by their proven commitment to party growth, internal cohesion and effective grassroots mobilisation.
According to the stakeholders, the APC in Cross River is gradually transitioning from reliance on old political structures to empowering emerging leaders who understand contemporary political realities and are closer to the people at the ward and polling unit levels.
In Bakassi Local Government Area, Chief Emmanuel Nyong described the chapter chairman, Sir Gerald Esin, as a young but focused leader who has demonstrated loyalty to the party and its leadership. He said Esin’s accessibility and hands-on approach have helped to deepen party membership and strengthen unity in the coastal council.
Nyong added that sustaining such leadership was critical as the party prepares for future elections.
In Bekwarra, Chief Emmanuel Ogbang said stakeholders overwhelmingly supported the return of Comrade Odama Thomas Odama JP, noting that his leadership style reflects a blend of youthful dynamism and respect for party elders.
According to him, Odama has served as a bridge between the older generation of politicians and younger party members, a quality he said has helped to stabilise the APC and promote internal harmony in the area.
Endorsing the Abi chapter chairman, Pst Joshua Igboke, party stalwart Justin Elemi said the local government required a chairman with strong grassroots appeal and the ability to connect with ordinary party members.
Elemi noted that the APC’s focus on younger leaders was already yielding positive results at the ward level, adding that continuity would allow the party to consolidate on existing structures rather than experiment with untested leadership.
In Ogoja, Chief Abang Abang said stakeholders were united in backing the re-election of Paul Ogeh Adinye, whom he described as a product of the party’s internal grooming process with a solid understanding of party administration.
Similarly, Stephen Adie from Obudu Urban said the endorsement of Pst George Ejikang in Obanliku was informed by his resilience and commitment to the party, particularly during periods of opposition pressure.
Boki Local Government Area led the wave of endorsements, with stakeholders backing Chief Engr. Kelvin Njong, who also serves as chairman of the Forum of APC Chairmen in the state, for a second term.
Njong was endorsed alongside the 11 ward councillors of the local government by elected party officials, political appointees and party leaders across the two state constituencies in Boki.
The endorsement exercise was led by the member representing Boki Constituency II in the Cross River State House of Assembly, Hillary Bisong, alongside the member representing Boki Constituency I, Philip Bette Obi, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters, Chief Jeke Enya.
Speaking on the development, Bisong said the APC’s decision to support emerging grassroots leaders was aimed at building a sustainable party structure capable of winning elections and nurturing future political leadership in the state.
He noted that the retention of youthful chapter chairmen would promote continuity, stability and long-term growth within the party.
