Bobby Ekpenyong Returns to APC, Cites Otu's Performance
By Missang Akpet
Former Chairman of Calabar Municipality and prominent Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stalwart, Hon. Bobby Ekpenyong, has officially returned to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Ekpenyong, who was previously a member of the APC before defecting to the PDP in 2023, rejoined the ruling party alongside hundreds of his supporters from Ekori Anaku Ward in Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State.
Speaking shortly after his registration at the ward level, Ekpenyong said his decision to leave the APC in 2023 was driven by anger and dissatisfaction. He, however, acknowledged that he had made a mistake and decided to return to the party.
He noted that Ekori Anaku is one of the highest voting wards in Odukpani Local Government Area but delivered fewer votes to the APC during the 2023 elections because of political divisions at the time.
"I apologize to the Governor and the party for what I did in 2023. I have reflected on my actions and have come back to say I am sorry. I am back home and ready to work for the party," he said.
Explaining his return, Ekpenyong attributed his decision to the performance of Governor Bassey Otu, whom he said has significantly weakened opposition politics in the state through effective governance.
"I came back because Governor Otu's performance over the past three years has virtually crippled the opposition in Cross River State. He has performed exceptionally well," he stated.
He further admitted that his defection to the PDP in 2023 affected the APC's electoral fortunes in Odukpani.
"Odukpani lost some votes to the opposition because of me in 2023. Ekori Anaku, which traditionally produced some of the highest votes in the local government area, recorded fewer votes because I was in the opposition. Now that I am back, we must work together in unity and harmony to ensure victory for the APC in 2027. I hereby pledge total support for all APC candidates," he declared.
Welcoming him back into the party, the Odukpani APC Chairman, Elder Inyang Imoh, described Ekpenyong's return as similar to the biblical story of the prodigal son. He said party members were delighted to have him back in their fold.
Imoh described Ekpenyong as a seasoned politician and bridge builder whose absence was deeply felt within the party.
Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Duties, Barrister Ekpenyong Akiba, described the return of Ekpenyong as both strategic and impactful, citing his grassroots influence and political reach.
Akiba called on party members to remain united and work towards securing victory for Governor Bassey Otu and other APC candidates in future elections. He also commended the governor for ongoing road projects and other developmental initiatives in Odukpani Local Government Area.
Similarly, the member representing Odukpani State Constituency in the Cross River State House of Assembly, Hon. Francis Bassey, and the APC State Publicity Secretary, Hon. Emmanuel Edem Inyang, said Ekpenyong's departure in 2023 had significant political consequences for the party, including the loss of the House of Representatives seat.
They expressed confidence that with the party reunited, Odukpani would deliver overwhelming support for all APC candidates in the 2027 elections, including President Bola Tinubu, Governor Bassey Otu, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, Hon. Nta Eke for the House of Representatives, and Joseph Edet for the State House of Assembly.
