A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Cross River State, Ekpenyong, has advised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reassess the party’s political architecture in Cross River ahead of the 2027 elections, warning against over-dependence on the structure associated with former governor Ben Ayade.

Ekpenyong in a statement on sunday said the APC must prioritise “tested, present-day grassroots structures” rather than relying on legacy networks that, according to him, no longer reflect current electoral realities in the state.

He stated: “The political reality on ground in Cross River today is different from what it was years ago. Winning elections in 2027 will depend on structures that are active, trusted, and rooted in the people, not on past influence.”

The APC chieftain argued that the emergence of Governor Bassey Otu as the current leader of the party in the state provides a stronger platform for rebuilding grassroots support.

According to him, Governor Otu now represents the central coordination point for the party in Cross River adding any serious strategy for 2027 must work through that structure if results are expected.

Ekpenyong also referenced the senatorial election outcome in Cross River North, where Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe defeated Ayade, describing it as an indication of shifting voter sentiment.

He added: “Elections are ultimately decided by the people. The last cycle showed clearly that voter loyalty has shifted, and that must guide how the party plans ahead.”

He urged the APC at both state and national levels to avoid internal dependence on “personal political structures,” stressing instead a unified and coordinated approach under the current state leadership.

Ekpenyong thereby stressed that for President Tinubu to strengthen his chances in Cross River in 2027, the party must invest in structures that are currently delivering, not those that are resting on past political glory.