Christopher Stephen Ekpenyong

Christopher Stephen Obong Ekpenyong, born on 29 September 1954, is a Nigerian politician and former Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State. His early education began at St. Patrick's Primary School, Ikot Ukana, before moving to St. Michael's Primary School, Rumuomasi, Port Harcourt, where he earned his First School Leaving Certificate (FSLC).

In 1970, he attended Government Technical College, Port Harcourt, and later in 1975, he studied at Federal Government Technical College, Yaba. He obtained an Ordinary National Diploma in Electrical/Electronic Engineering from Federal Polytechnic, Bida in 1977. Continuing his education, he pursued a Higher National Diploma in Electrical and Electronic Engineering at The Polytechnic Calabar, graduating in 1982.

In 1993, Ekpenyong earned a Master of Business Administration (Marketing) from Kensington University, Honolulu, Hawaii, and later obtained a Doctor of Philosophy from the same institution. His political career began with his tenure as Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State under Governor Victor Attah from 1999 to 2005.

In 2005, Ekpenyong faced an unusual political challenge when he was impeached as Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State. Despite the impeachment, the state House of Assembly reversed it after President Olusegun Obasanjo’s intervention, though Ekpenyong had to resign shortly after. This event marked a significant moment in Akwa Ibom’s political history.

In 2019, Ekpenyong ran for the Nigerian Senate, representing Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial District under the PDP. He defeated his closest rival, Godswill Akpabio of the APC, winning 118,215 votes compared to Akpabio’s 83,158 votes. His victory was initially contested in Essien Udim Local Government Area, leading to a court-ordered re-run where he secured 134,717 votes. He was declared the winner by INEC Electoral Officer Peter Ogban. On 9 November 2019, the Court of Appeal ordered a re-run for the Essien Udim area. He lost his wife, Grace Ekpenyong, in 2019.