By Mark Eneng
In a strategic move to unify political forces ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Akamkpa Renewed Hope Forum has convened a high-powered gathering of stakeholders, youth, and grassroots faithful across the two constituencies of the Local Government Area.
The forum serves as a critical confluence for party loyalists to charter a new course for the region. During the session, members decried the current lack of effective representation for the area, maintaining that legislative inefficiency remains a major barrier to true democratic governance and regional development.
The convener and host of the event, the Honorable Commissioner for Works, Hon. Ankpo Pius, commended the attendees for their steadfast support of the current administration. He described Governor Bassey Otu as a leader who prioritizes the reward of hard work and merit.
“When I look at the sweetness of Prince Bassey Otu; when I look at his vocabulary, his concerns, and when I look at the man who believes in rewarding hard work,” Hon. Ankpo remarked, emphasizing the Governor’s people-centric leadership style.
Addressing the younger demographic, the Commissioner charged the youth to see themselves as active participants rather than spectators. “If you see politics as a business, then you must see yourself as a stakeholder. Those who stake are those who will be able to hold. If you cannot stake, you cannot hold,” he posited. He further encouraged them to aspire to high offices, including the Senate and House of Representatives, citing historical examples of African leaders who made their marks as youths.
Other prominent speakers echoed the need for fresh ideas and credible hands in the leadership transition. Ntunkae Titi Ndifon, APC Vice Chairman (South), lauded the Commissioner’s leadership and noted that the party’s success depends on the quality of its candidates. “When you take good products to the market, do you waste time there?” she asked rhetorically.
Hon. Princess Magdalene Ekpe, Leader of the Akamkpa Legislative Council and Chairman of the Forum of Councilors in Cross River State, also expressed appreciation for Hon. Ankpo’s purposeful direction, urging the youth to take charge of their political destinies. Similarly, Prof. Paul Itari, Chairman of the Cross River State Scholarship Board, extolled the initiative, highlighting the Commissioner’s commitment to community development.
In a major political development during the meeting, the people of Akamkpa Constituencies I and II unanimously adopted two candidates for the State House of Assembly.
Following separate motions moved and supported by the forum, Hon. Prince Ofutani Paul and Hon. Joe Agbor were formally adopted for Akamkpa I and Akamkpa II, respectively, ahead of the 2027 elections. The adoptions were met with thunderous affirmation from the gathered stakeholders.
In his response, Hon. Joe Agbor expressed profound gratitude to the leadership and the party faithful. While declaring his intention to run, he presented a comprehensive political scorecard, asserting that his capacity and track record provide the confidence needed to deliver effective representation for the people of Akamkpa II.
The meeting, presided over by the APC Chapter Chairman of Akamkpa, was attended by a broad spectrum of “who’s-who” in the local government, including critical stakeholders, student representatives, and youth leaders.
