The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Cross River State has launched a campaign to reclaim the Northern Senatorial District seat currently held by Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2027 general elections. This declaration, made during a press briefing in Calabar, signals the APC’s intent to strengthen its grassroots presence and mobilize support to ensure victory in the upcoming election cycle. APC Chairman Alphonsus Eba criticized Senator Jarigbe’s performance, deeming it underwhelming, and assured party faithful that the APC would present a strong candidate to challenge the incumbent senator. This strategic move reflects the APC’s commitment to regaining its political foothold in the Northern Senatorial District.
Eba’s pronouncements underscore the APC’s determination to wrest control of the Northern Senatorial District from the PDP. He called upon all stakeholders to support the current administration of Governor Prince Bassey Edet Otu while simultaneously working to unseat the opposition party’s representatives in the National Assembly. This dual approach highlights the APC’s strategy of balancing support for the current government with aggressive campaigning for future elections. Eba’s strong words, describing the PDP’s hold on the senatorial and House of Representatives seats as destined for the “cesspit of emotional flotsam and jetsam,” vividly illustrate the party’s resolve to achieve victory in 2027.
The APC’s strategy hinges on strengthening its grassroots support and fostering unity within the party. Eba stressed the importance of internal cohesion and urged party members to set aside disagreements and work towards their common goal. This emphasis on unity suggests the APC’s recognition of the potential damage internal divisions can cause and the need for a unified front to effectively challenge the PDP. The chairman’s call for a coordinated approach in selecting candidates for future elections underscores the party’s commitment to learning from past mistakes and presenting a united front to the electorate.
The APC’s campaign extends beyond simply unseating the incumbent senator. The party aims to secure both the senatorial and House of Representatives seats for the Northern Senatorial District, demonstrating a broader strategy to consolidate its power within the region. Eba’s call for an “evangelical mission” to win over opposition supporters highlights the APC’s ambition to broaden its base and gain wider acceptance within the electorate. This proactive approach suggests the APC’s recognition of the need to actively engage with voters and build a stronger support base.
The APC’s declared intention to reclaim the Northern Senatorial District sets the stage for a potentially intense political battle in the lead-up to the 2027 elections. The party’s focus on strengthening its grassroots presence, mobilizing support, and presenting a strong candidate signals a determined effort to challenge the PDP’s dominance in the region. The call for unity within the party ranks and the emphasis on a coordinated approach to candidate selection further underscore the APC’s commitment to a strategic and well-organized campaign.
The success of the APC’s efforts will depend on several factors, including the party’s ability to effectively implement its grassroots strategy, the quality of its chosen candidate, and the overall political climate in the run-up to the elections. The upcoming years will likely witness a period of intense political activity as the APC strives to regain its footing in the Northern Senatorial District and the PDP works to maintain its hold on power. The contest promises to be a significant political event in Cross River State, with the outcome potentially shaping the political landscape of the region for years to come.
