2027: Cross River Reps member rejects Consensus, insists on primaries

From Ene Asuquo, Calabar 

The House of Representative member, representing Odukpani/Calabar Municipality federal constituency, Bassey Akiba, has maintained that he is still in the race for House of Representatives

He called on his supporters and registered party members to prepare for the primary election slated for May 16, 2026.

He called on his supporters and party members to disregard the rumour making the rounds that the party has chosen a consensus Candidate for the Federal constituency.

He stressed that  consensus candidate can only be chosen if all the aspirants had agreed to step down by handing in a written letter consenting to such arrangements.

In a statement made available to journalists in Calabar, Akiba stated that he has not been invited on the issue of consensus and therefore he is  not a party to consensus,  stating that party members should not be deceived into believing he is not in the race again. 

The statement reads in part;”I wish to state categorically that I am still in the race for the Odukpani/Calabar Municipality House of Representatives race. I am fully ready for the party primaries scheduled for Friday, May 15, 2026.  

“I, therefore, call on my constituents, my supporters and registered party members to disregard rumours making the rounds that the aspirants have arrived at any consensus candidate ahead of the primary election.

At no time has the aspirants met nor has stakeholders’ meeting been convened to discuss consensus matter. 

“The party guideline is very clear on how candidate can emerge for the House of Representatives.

The guideline States specifically that failure on the part of aspirants to arrive at a consensus, all the aspirants should go for direct primaries.

In other words, the Odukpani/Calabar Municipality federal constituency will be conducting primary for all of us who are in the race.

“I, therefore once again urge all my supporters to come and cast their votes for me as I seek to return to the Green Chamber of the NASS. Together we can make it again ” Akiba said.