2027: ADC Affirms Dr Effiong Nyong As Cross River Governorship Candidate

Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC) has affirmed Dr Effiong Nyong as its governorship candidate for the 2027 general elections in Cross River State.

The decision was reached during a special delegates’ congress that concluded yesterday evening in Calabar, the Cross River State capital.

The exercise, supervised by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), drew registered party members from across the 18 local government areas of the state to affirm the results.

Chairman of the Cross River State ADC Primary Election Committee, Dr Macfalan Eja, stated that the process was conducted through voice votes and affirmation, stressing that Nyong emerged as the sole candidate in the governorship race.

Declaring the result, Eja stated: “I, Dr Mac Felane Eja, having certified that Dr Effiong Nyong scored the highest affirmation through voice votes and fulfilled the requirements of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the ADC Constitution, and electoral guidelines, hereby declare him winner of the primary election and the ADC governorship candidate for the 2027 general elections in Cross River State.”

Eja also announced the emergence of candidates for two of the three senatorial districts, the House of Representatives, and the State House of Assembly following the conclusion of primaries in those areas.

Barr. Offiong Ekanem and Chief Akin Rickett were affirmed as ADC candidates for Cross River South and Central Senatorial Districts respectively, as they were the sole aspirants. The result for the Northern Senatorial District was still being awaited.

For the House of Representatives, Sir Emmanuel Ekpenyong Edet secured the ticket for Calabar South/Akpabuyo/Bakassi Federal Constituency, Mr Ovat Ayabom emerged for Obubra/Etung, while Chief John Etim William won the Calabar Municipal/Odukpani seat with 561 votes, defeating Mr Victor Ekanem, who polled 542 votes.

For the House of Assembly, Ekpe David won the Abi State Constituency seat, Emmanuel Okokon Asuquo won Bakassi, Effiong Asuquo Okon won Akpabuyo, and Nathaniel Friday defeated two other aspirants to emerge as the candidate for Obubra State Constituency.

In his post-election speech, Chief John Etim William thanked delegates for the confidence reposed in him, describing his election as a major honour.

He pledged to prioritise education, agriculture, women and youth empowerment, and healthcare if elected, and expressed optimism that the ADC would win all elective positions in 2027.

Eja hailed party members for their loyalty and expressed confidence in the ADC’s victory, urging members to intensify door-to-door campaigns to mobilise support across the state.