The Member representing Yala 1 State Constituency in the Cross River State House of Assembly and Chairman, House Committee on Public Accounts, Hon. Brian Odey Wonah, has emerged victorious in the All Progressives Congress (APC) State Assembly Primary Election held on Wednesday, securing the party’s ticket for the 2027 general election.
Hon. Brian Odey was officially declared winner of the keenly contested primary election by the Returning Officer, Hon. Sunday Ojiho, at the Yala Local Government Council Secretariat in Okpoma, after polling an impressive 4,841 votes to defeat other aspirants in the exercise conducted across the six INEC wards that make up Yala 1 State Constituency — Echumofana, Gabu, Okpoma, Okuku, Yache and Yahe.
According to the results announced, Francis Peters scored 28 votes, Mary Mark Ogbeche garnered 61 votes, while Johny Odo polled 33 votes. The overwhelming margin of victory recorded by Hon. Brian Odey reflected the confidence and trust reposed in his leadership by party faithful and constituents across the constituency.
Speaking shortly after his declaration, Hon. Brian Odey expressed profound gratitude to leaders, stakeholders, delegates, and registered members of the APC for the massive support and confidence shown in him throughout the primary process. He described the victory as a collective mandate and a call to deepen quality representation, inclusive governance, and people-oriented legislation for the benefit of the constituency.
The lawmaker assured party members and constituents that he would remain committed to advancing developmental initiatives, strengthening legislative oversight, and promoting policies that would improve the welfare of the people of Yala I State Constituency. He further called for unity among party faithful ahead of the 2027 general election, stressing that the APC remains poised for greater victories across the state.
Political observers have described Hon. Brian Odey’s emergence as a reflection of his growing popularity and grassroots acceptance within the constituency, owing largely to his accessibility, legislative contributions, and commitment to accountability and public service. As Chairman of the House Committee on Public Accounts, he has continued to play a visible role in promoting transparency and prudent management of public resources in the state.
It would be recalled that Hon. Brian Odey was first elected into the Cross River State House of Assembly in 2023 under the platform of the Labour Party through an alliance arrangement with the APC, following the Supreme Court judgment which prevented the APC from fielding candidates in the election. He formally defected to the APC in 2025 and has since fully integrated into the party’s structure and activities across Yala Local Government Area and the state at large.
With this victory, Hon. Brian Odey now becomes the APC standard bearer for Yala I State Constituency in the forthcoming 2027 general election as supporters and stakeholders express confidence in his capacity to secure victory for the party and continue delivering effective representation to the people.
