By Kelvin Obambon
In a significant political development ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Cross River State Indigenous Gospel Ministers (CRSIGM) Forum has officially adopted and endorsed Distinguished Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong for a second term in office.
The endorsement was announced on Thursday, March 26, 2026, during a high-profile gathering of Christian leaders, stakeholders, and members of different denominations in Calabar, the state capital.
Speaking during the event, Chairman of the Forum, Evang. Stephen Atukanre stated that the decision followed “careful observation, sincere reflection, and wide consultation.” He praised the Senator, who represents the Cross River Southern Senatorial District, for his “demonstrable leadership” and “unwavering commitment to the welfare of the people.”
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“This adoption is a deliberate and well-considered decision,” Atukanre declared. “Senator Ekpenyong has distinguished himself through people-centred representation and strategic legislative contributions that have positively transformed lives across the Southern Senatorial District.”
The Forum highlighted several key interventions by the Senator, including empowerment initiatives, scholarship opportunities, and palliative measures that have brought relief to families across various communities in the senatorial district.
While pledging their total support, the Christian leaders appealed to the Senator for further collaboration, specifically requesting assistance for evangelical outreach through the provision of musical instruments and the establishment of a dedicated intercessory prayer center to be known as the “CRS Altar.”
Responding on behalf of the lawmaker, Hon. Oqua Edet Oqua expressed deep gratitude to the religious leaders, noting that the Senator’s journey has been defined by divine grace and hard work.
Recalling the 2023 elections, Oqua described Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong as an “underdog” who triumphed over political “generals” due to his capacity and the prayers of the faithful.
“Asuquo Ekpenyong ran the Senate election as an underdog because all the people he ran against were seen to be generals with years of experience,” Oqua stated. “But the grace of God saw him through. He won all the generals and he won them convincingly.”
Hon. Oqua who used the opportunity to showcase the Senator’s achievements over the past three years, stated that Senator Ekpenyong has facilitated the rehabilitation of the Akamkpa-Ehom axis and the Odukpani-Calabar-Itu road, significantly reducing travel time for commuters.
He also highlighted the provision of foreign master’s degree scholarships and local university grants for indigenous students; installation of 40,000-liter solar-powered boreholes and extensive solar street lighting in communities; and as well as the provision of a fleet of over nine free transit buses conveying constituents across seven local government areas daily.
“Senator Ekpenyong is a promising man. When he was campaigning, he appealed to our mothers and fathers that he would bring back whatever belongs to the district. Today, he has kept those promises,” Oqua added.
He, however, urged the Forum to strengthen its structures at the local government level to ensure a deeper synergy between the office of the Senator and the grassroots as the 2027 journey begins.
The event concluded with a call for all stakeholders in the Southern Senatorial District and the state at large to rally behind Governor Bassey Edet Otu and Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong for continued progress.
