Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong Credits Governor Bassey Otu with Orchestrating APC Political Dominance Across South-South Nigeria

Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong credits Governor Otu for APC's historic South-South dominance and Ben Akak's emergence. Read more on the regional political shift.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 2, 2026, 5:36 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from The Sun Nigeria

The Emergence of Consensus Under Governor Bassey Otu

Following the conclusion of the All Progressives Congress National Convention, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong commended Governor Bassey Otu for his role in unifying the party's regional structure. The senator emphasized that Otu’s inclusive leadership style was instrumental in reaching a unanimous agreement for the emergence of Ben Akak, a move described as widely accepted and strategic. According to Ekpenyong, the seamless nature of this decision-making process serves as a benchmark for mature political coordination. This internal harmony is viewed as a direct result of a shared vision fostered by the governor within the Cross River political landscape.

National Convention Success and Presidential Recognition

Reflecting on the broader national political climate, Ekpenyong described the recent party convention as a significant success that validated the administration's direction. He specifically praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his ability to articulate government achievements with clarity, asserting that the President’s performance reflects the skill of a seasoned politician. The senator noted that the convention provided a platform to showcase the party's internal stability and its readiness to govern. This national momentum is seen as a vital backdrop for the specific regional advancements being made in the coastal states.

Strategic Expansion and Regional Political Realignment

The political map of the South-South has undergone a radical transformation since the general elections in March 2023, according to Ekpenyong’s analysis. He pointed out that while the APC initially held a limited presence in the zone, the region has transitioned from being sparsely represented to a position of full alignment. The senator detailed how the party expanded its influence from its original base in Cross River to include Edo, Delta, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, and Rivers. This consolidation marks the South-South as the first geopolitical zone in Nigeria to achieve total alignment with the APC, a shift Ekpenyong describes as historic.