He defeated his closest rival and candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Sandy Onor, who won in three local government areas.

Results from the three remaining local government areas, Obanliku, Boki and Akamkpa, were being expected as collation was suspended till Monday (today).

The 12 local government areas won by Bassey include Yala, Calabar Municipal, Calabar South, Obudu, Yakurr, Akpabuyo, Biase, Etung, Odukpani, Bakassi, Obubra and Abi.

The three local government areas won by the PDP candidate are Ikom, Ogoja and Bekwarra.

There are 18 local government areas in Cross River State.

The governorship election Returning Officer for Cross River State, Prof Teddy Adias, presided over affairs at the Independent National Electoral Commission state headquarters in Calabar.