By Abasi Ita
The lawmaker representing Ikom Boki Federal Constituency Cross River in the House of Representatives, Victor Abang, has emerged as the All Progressives Congress APC candidate for the 2027 House of Representatives election.
Abang secured the party’s ticket after defeating four other aspirants in a direct primary election held on Saturday across the constituency.
The incumbent lawmaker polled 10,850 votes to clinch victory despite an earlier consensus arrangement that had generated disagreement among some party stakeholders.
Among those who contested the APC ticket were former Secretary to the Cross River State Government, Tina Banku, member representing Boki II State Constituency in the Cross River State House of Assembly, Hilary Bisong, former lawmaker Cletus Obun, Joseph Enu and former Commissioner for Works, Dan Asu.
Declaring the result at the APC constituency headquarters in Ikom, the returning officer, Eka Williams, explained that the party resorted to direct primaries after efforts to reach a consensus failed.
He noted that the process complied with the provisions of the party constitution and the Electoral Act.
Williams described the exercise as peaceful and successful, adding that the outcome reflected the collective decision of party members in the constituency.
Speaking after the declaration, Abang appreciated APC members for their support and confidence in his leadership.
He called on other contestants and stakeholders within the party to unite and work together for the development of the constituency.
According to him, collective cooperation remains necessary to advance economic growth and improve the welfare of the people.
Reacting to the outcome, Banku praised the conduct of the primaries and commended party members for maintaining peace throughout the exercise.
She also congratulated Abang on his victory and expressed readiness to cooperate with him in promoting the interest of the constituency.
Also speaking, Chairman of Boki Local Government Area, Beatrice Nyaim, alongside her Ikom counterpart, Mercy Nsor, described Abang’s emergence as a reflection of his popularity and performance in office.
They said the result showed the confidence party members and constituents have in his representation.
In separate remarks, the Commissioner for Information and the APC chairman in Boki chapter, Kelvin Njong commended the transparent conduct of the exercise, describing it as a true reflection of internal democracy within the APC.
