By Joe Ephraim, Calabar
Hon. Effiong Ekarika has secured a second term ticket of the All Progressives’ Congress (APC) for the Calabar South 1 State Constituency seat after polling 3,188 votes in the party’s direct primary election
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Ekarika, a former councillor in Calabar South Local Government Area, emerged victorious in the peaceful primary exercise held in Calabar amid widespread support from party faithful and grassroots mobilizers.
Speaking shortly after the exercise, the APC candidate described the outcome as a reflection of the confidence the people have reposed in his leadership style and accessibility over the years
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“Leadership qualities can never be sold or bought in the market,” Ekarika stated while addressing journalists and supporters after the declaration of results.
“For a group of people to build overwhelming confidence in one person, it goes a long way to tell the story. This crowd is just a tip of the iceberg. It will show what the 2027 general election will look like.”
The lawmaker hopeful attributed his popularity to what he described as his consistent engagement with constituents and prompt response to their needs irrespective of the time or circumstance.
“My people can testify that whenever I am called upon, even at midnight, I am always there for them,” he said.
Ekarika also used the occasion to unveil part of his legislative agenda for the constituency, particularly his plans to push for the revitalisation of marine and economic activities around the Marina axis of Calabar.
According to him, the economic fortunes of the coastal communities can be significantly improved if the state government partners with the federal authorities and the Nigerian Ports Authority to revive maritime operations in the area.
He lamented that despite Calabar’s historical significance as Nigeria’s first capital and its strategic location along international maritime routes, the Marina had remained largely underutilised.
“This is where the colonial masters first established trade. Calabar is closer to Europe than Lagos, yet vessels pass through Calabar territorial waters to Lagos,” he said.
“If marine activities are revived here, it will transform the economy and improve the living standards of the people in the coastal communities.”
The APC standard bearer further argued that the Marina possesses enormous economic potential capable of benefiting not just Calabar South but the entire state.
Responding to claims questioning his ancestry and whether he is a bona fide indigene of Cross River State, the APC candidate dismissed ethnic sentiments in politics, arguing that governance should be driven by competence and service delivery rather than biological origin.
“Politics has grown beyond tribal sentiments. People are now more concerned about who can deliver and change the situation,” he said.
Drawing parallels with former United States President Barack Obama, Ekarika said leadership should be defined by conviction, performance and acceptance by the people.
“I may not be a Cross Riverian because of my biological paternal parentage, but I was conceived, born, bred and nurtured in Cross River State. I see myself as a Calabar South descendant,” he added.
