APC South-south Unity: Ekpenyong Hails Otu’s Leadership, Akak’s Emergence

The senator representing Cross River Southern Senatorial District, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, has lavished glowing praise on Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu, for what he described as exemplary leadership that birthed consensus, unity and strategic political expansion across the South-south region.

Speaking on the aftermath of the just concluded All Progressives Congress (APC) National Convention, Ekpenyong commended Otu’s deft handling of party affairs, noting that his inclusive and visionary leadership style paved the way for the emergence of Mr. Ben Akak through a widely accepted consensus. 

“The way His Excellency, the governor has led the state and led the party paved the way for the unanimous agreement of a consensus, and that is the type of leadership that we admire and extol,” he declared.

The senator further emphasized the seamless nature of the decision-making process, describing it as a hallmark of mature and effective leadership. 

“I love the way the conversation went, very smoothly, which shows true leadership,” he said, adding that such coordination reflects a deep-rooted culture of mutual respect and shared vision within the party.

Ekpenyong also reflected on the broader national political landscape, particularly the recent convention, which he described as a resounding success. 

He lauded President Bola Tinubu for articulating his administration’s achievements with clarity and conviction. 

“Mr. President spoke to his achievements; it reflected that a true politician is now the president of our dear country,” he noted.

Tracing the party’s trajectory in the South-south, the senator highlighted what he termed a remarkable political transformation.

“We started off with lesser numbers than we had now at the end of March 2023 after the general election, but today, the story has changed significantly,” he stated with evident pride.

According to him, the region, once sparsely represented within the APC fold, has witnessed an unprecedented wave of political alignment. 

“The South-south started with just one state, Cross River, but through the work of our leaders and our governor, His Excellency, Prince Bassey Edet Otu, we have brought in Edo, Delta, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa and eventually Rivers,” he explained.

Describing the development as historic, Ekpenyong declared that the South-south has now emerged as the first geopolitical zone to be fully aligned with the APC. 

“That says a lot,” he stressed, underscoring the significance of the shift in Nigeria’s political equilibrium.

Looking ahead, the senator expressed confidence in the party’s prospects, revealing a collective resolve among regional leaders to consolidate these gains. 

“All the leaders of the zone are prepared to ensure that in 2027, the APC wins the South-south convincingly so that we can continue to have the support and patronage of Mr. President,” he affirmed.

Ekpenyong also attributed the prevailing calm in the region to effective leadership and strategic engagement. 

“For the first time in this country, the South-south is having peace. That is leadership speaking with our leaders in the zone and the way the president has managed the resource base of Nigeria,” he said.

On a personal note, the senator expressed deep admiration for Akak, describing him as a dependable ally and seasoned contributor to the state’s political evolution. 

“I am excited, not just because he is a Cross Riverian, but because he is my brother. He is a good man, a philanthropist, and someone who has supported the political system in the state,” he remarked.

Ekpenyong applauded the constitutional amendment that now grants deputies membership of the National Working Committee, noting its strategic importance for representation. 

“At that level, he can speak for Cross River. He is reliable and dependable,” Ekpenyong affirmed, expressing optimism about the future of the party in the region.