NASS 2027: Anam, Akiba, Eke, Mbora Jostle for Odukpani/Municipality APC Reps Ticket
By Asuquo BASSEY
The race for the All Progressives Congress(APC) ticket for the Calabar Municipality/Odukpani Federal Constituency in Cross River State has intensified following the purchase of nomination forms by several aspirants ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Among those seeking the party’s ticket are the Mayor of Calabar, Apostle James Anam, the incumbent member representing the constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Bassey Akiba, Dr. Effefiong Nta Eke and Dr. Emmanuel Mbora.
While Akiba is from Odukpani local government area, Anam, Eke and Mbora are from Calabar Municipality.
Findings revealed that Akiba, Eke and Mbora reportedly appeared before the Cross River State APC stakeholders' screening panel, while Anam, who currently serves as Chairman of Calabar Municipality, did not appear before the panel, a development that has sparked speculations within political circles.
Sources within the party alleged that during the November 2024 local government election campaigns, Anam was largely absent from public consultations and campaigns unlike other aspirants, yet emerged as the standard bearer and went ahead to clinch victory at the polls.
According to the sources, a similar political scenario may be unfolding ahead of the National Assembly primaries, especially following reports that the council chairman travelled to Abuja to purchase the nomination form without prior consultations with party stakeholders.
The development has reportedly generated concerns among some party stakeholders, who fear possible imposition of candidates ahead of the APC primaries.
One of the stakeholders, John Asuquo from Odukpani, described the situation as unfortunate, alleging that while some aspirants were engaging party leaders and appearing before the stakeholders panel, others were allegedly relying on political connections to influence the process.
“It is unfortunate that while other aspirants were busy consulting and appearing before the party’s stakeholders panel, some people were allegedly trying to cut corners and use their closeness to power to manipulate the process for selfish interests,” he said.
Asuquo maintained that party members would resist any attempt to impose a candidate on the constituency, insisting that the process must remain transparent and democratic.
However, sources close to the aspirants disclosed that all those who purchased nomination forms claimed to have secured the approval of influential party leaders before joining the race.
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