By Kelvin Obambon
The Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong Youth Wing has officially launched its grassroots campaign structure ahead of the upcoming elections, announcing a comprehensive strategy and endorsing All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates at all levels across the Southern Senatorial District.
The unveiling was done during a media chat in Calabar on Saturday where the group outlined its operational framework and officially kick off its activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Prince Charles Ekanem, Director of Media for the youth wing, welcomed participants and stated that the movement would integrate young people into the broader campaign framework.
“We are about to kick-start activities, especially the campaign period. By starting the campaign activities, we are beginning with the youth wing,” Ekanem stated. “All of us will be involved, and of course, we’ll be an integral part of that campaign council.”
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Taking the floor, the Convener of the Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong Youth Wing, Obong Ekpe Eyo Ita, affirmed that young people in the district are acting as active collaborators in driving governance and political mobilization rather than mere spectators.
“We are not just here as supporters; we are here as partners and stand-up believers,” Ita said, referencing Senator Ekpenyong’s historic election in 2023 as one of the youngest members of the 10th Senate. “Our principal made history. He is one of the youngest senators elected in 2023 because we believe age is not a limitation, but an advantage for service. This council is built on that belief, youthful energy, technical competence, and results.”
Addressing party leadership and upcoming contests, the Youth Wing formally affirmed its support for APC candidates across the state and national levels, declaring a strict policy against anti-party activities.
The group reaffirmed its commitment to delivering victory for the APC presidential ticket, Cross River State Governor, Prince Bassey Otu, and Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong.
In addition to the top-tier offices, the youth wing endorsed all APC candidates seeking election and re-election within Cross River South, including House of Representatives and State House of Assembly Candidates.
“As members of the Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong Youth Wing, we are doing 5 over 5. We don’t do anti-party here,” Ita stressed. “Our principal does not associate himself with anti-party activities. please, we are working for all APC candidates from top to bottom.”
Outlining their field operations, the Convener explained that the primary purpose of the team is to take over ward-by-ward and unit-by-unit engagement, allowing Senator Ekpenyong to focus on his legislative duties in the National Assembly without campaign burnout.
“What we are trying to do with this wing is that while he is still representing us in the National Assembly, trying to pass motions and bills, we, his foot soldiers, are back home in different local governments driving support for him and all APC candidates,” he explained.
The group leader further explained that rather than relying on large, centralized rallies in urban centers, the youth wing would deploy mobile teams across all local government areas in Cross River South. “To support their messaging, the youth wing is distributing a comprehensive legacy booklet detailing Senator Ekpenyong’s constituency achievements across every ward.”
In a novel initiative targeting tertiary institutions, the Youth Wing announced a partnership with Student Union Government (SUG) executives to roll out free high-speed Starlink internet access for students across major campuses in the district.
The multi-day, free internet programme will roll out sequentially across the University of Calabar (UNICAL), University of Cross River (UNICROSS), College of Health Technology, School of Nursing, and the University of Education and Entrepreneurship in Akamkpa.
“We’ve opened up a roaming plan and we’re working with Starlink to allow up to a thousand or more people to log in at the same time and browse,” Ita noted, adding that campaign stops across all local government areas will also feature free open-access Wi-Fi setups for public use.
He concluded by charging all youth leaders, student bodies, and grassroots organizers to maintain political discipline and begin ward-level mobilizations immediately.
