A youth group under the Great Yakurr People’s Forum has called on the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and party stakeholders in Cross River State to zone the upcoming local government chairmanship position to Yakurr One, as part of a strategic move to secure a stronger footing for the party ahead of the 2027 governorship elections. The group insists that this decision will ensure the APC remains competitive by consolidating support from the area with the highest voting strength.
Speaking during an interactive session with journalists in Calabar, the group’s spokesperson, Comrade Festus Ikpi, emphasized the need for thoughtful zoning to avoid costly political miscalculations. “It is essential that we make our voices heard to ensure those responsible for zoning have a clear sense of direction,” Ikpi said, highlighting the significance of Yakurr One’s larger voter base compared to Yakurr Two.
Providing context to their stance, Ikpi pointed out that Yakurr Two already holds prominent political positions. “Yakurr Two currently boasts a serving senator, Eteng Williams, and the APC chapter chairman, Comrade Dave Okpebri. These key figures should be enough representation for now,” he argued. He stressed that zoning the chairmanship to Yakurr One, which has eight council wards and 76 polling units, would be the most logical step for strengthening the party.
Ikpi further explained that Yakurr Two, with its smaller voter base of five wards and fewer polling units, would not provide the same electoral advantage in future contests. “If the APC picks a candidate from an area with only 10 polling units, the party risks weakening its position for 2027, especially if rival parties capitalize on areas with greater voting power,” Ikpi noted.
The youth group believes that zoning the chairmanship to Yakurr One will enable the APC to present a formidable candidate with strong grassroots connections. “A candidate from Yakurr One will better mobilize votes for the party, helping secure victory in both the 2024 council elections and the crucial 2027 governorship race,” Ikpi added.
The group also cautioned against focusing solely on short-term zoning benefits. “The future begins today,” Ikpi remarked, quoting Pope John Paul II and entrepreneur Robert Kiyosaki, underscoring the importance of strategic thinking for long-term electoral success. The APC, they insisted, should prioritize areas where voter mobilization is strongest.
Ikpi expressed confidence that the 2024 local government elections present a unique opportunity for the APC to prepare and strategize for 2027. “This council election is more than just a local contest; it’s a test run for 2027. The right choice now will position the party to win later,” he affirmed.
He urged the APC to avoid sentiments in zoning, noting that the party must concentrate on winning elections, not merely satisfying zoning demands. “If we prioritize zoning over electoral viability, we risk losing the 2027 governorship race,” Ikpi warned.
In conclusion, the group advocated for an arrangement where Yakurr One is granted the chairmanship slot in the upcoming election, allowing the party to consolidate its hold. “After three years, Yakurr Two can take its turn. But first, let’s focus on winning, not just filling seats,” Ikpi advised.
