By Our Reporter
CALABAR (CONVERSEER) – A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Cross River State, Evangelist Stephen Egege Atukanre, has formally declared his intention to contest for the position of State Chairman, unveiling a comprehensive Seven-Point Agenda aimed at repositioning the party for unity, discipline and strategic victory ahead of the 2027 General Elections.
At a well-attended declaration in Calabar on 18 February 2026, Atukanre said his decision was driven not by ambition but by “conviction and responsibility” to strengthen the party’s internal cohesion and electoral readiness.
“I stand before you today with a deep sense of responsibility, profound gratitude to God, and unwavering commitment to the progress of our great Party, to formally declare my intention to contest for the office of State Chairman of the APC in Cross River State,” he stated.
According to him, the Party must be deliberately repositioned to consolidate its gains at both federal and state levels, stressing that unity and structure would be critical in the build-up to 2027.
“This decision is not driven by ambition alone, but by conviction, the firm conviction that our Party must be strengthened and united as we prepare strategically for the 2027 General Elections,” Atukanre declared.
A native of Busi Ward in Obanliku Local Government Area, Atukanre highlighted his political and administrative background, including his previous role as Chapter Chairman of the National Centre Party of Nigeria (NCPN), where he said he led grassroots mobilisation and party coordination efforts.
He also referenced his service as Managing Director of the Food Bank, Cross River State, during the administration of Senator Professor Ben Ayade, and his membership of the Security Council (Caretaker) in Obanliku LGA.
Beyond politics, Atukanre underscored his extensive involvement in faith-based leadership. He currently serves as State Chairman of the Cross River State Indigenous Gospel Ministers Forum and State Chairman of the South-South Bishops Forum (PFN). He is also the President and Founder of Heaven Way Church Incorporated and President of the Steve Atukanre Global Evangelical Mission.
“These experiences have shaped my understanding of leadership as service, service rooted in reconciliation, discipline, structure and vision,” he said.
The aspirant reaffirmed his loyalty to the party’s national and state leadership, calling for total support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Cross River State Governor Bassey Edet Otu in 2027.
“As loyal and committed members, we must consolidate on our achievements and work tirelessly for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Bassey Edet Otu in 2027. Continuity of purposeful leadership remains critical to sustainable development and economic stability,” he said.
He, however, warned that consolidation would require “deliberate effort, unity, discipline and strategic planning.”
Central to Atukanre’s declaration was a detailed Seven-Point Agenda designed to reposition the APC in Cross River State.
On reconciliation, he pledged to establish a genuine healing framework to address internal grievances. “We shall rebuild trust through structured dialogue, mediation committees and open-door engagement,” he said.
He promised to strengthen internal democracy by ensuring transparent primaries and strict adherence to party guidelines, adding that credibility within the party would inspire public confidence.
Atukanre also emphasised grassroots revitalisation, noting that “the strength of our Party lies in the wards and polling units.”
“We shall reactivate ward structures, empower local executives and deploy data-driven mobilisation strategies across the State,” he assured.
On inclusion, he vowed to create structured platforms for youth and women to assume meaningful leadership roles. “Young people and women are the energy and future of our Party. Their inclusion will not be symbolic; it will be strategic and practical,” he stated.
He further pledged to modernise the party’s communication architecture to effectively project achievements and counter misinformation, while ensuring resource transparency and organisational discipline.
“Prudent management of Party resources, accountability and firm but fair discipline will define my administration. Discipline must unite us, not divide us,” he emphasised.
Finally, he called for early and coordinated preparation for the 2027 elections. “Preparation for victory begins now. We shall develop a strategic roadmap covering voter mobilisation, stakeholder engagement and polling unit coordination to guarantee success,” he said.
Describing the moment as pivotal for the APC in Cross River State, Atukanre urged party stakeholders to choose unity over division. “We must choose unity over division, structure over sentiment, and strategy over complacency. The APC in Cross River must stand as one formidable family,” he declared.
If elected, he promised inclusive and accessible leadership.
“My administration will not be about factions; it will be about family. It will not be about exclusion; it will be about expansion,” Atukanre affirmed.
He concluded by invoking divine guidance for the Party, the State and the Nation, signalling the formal commencement of what is expected to be a keenly contested race for the APC State Chairmanship.
Political observers say the coming days will test the Party’s internal cohesion as aspirants begin consultations ahead of the 2027 electoral cycle.
Converseer reports that the State Congresses will hold on 7 March 2026.
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