The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Cross River State has officially endorsed both President Bola Tinubu and Governor Bassey Otu for re-election in 2027. This decision came after a significant stakeholders’ meeting convened by the Central Progressives Initiative, in collaboration with the party’s central leadership, on Sunday at Ikom Local Government Area of the state.
The meeting was attended by prominent figures such as the Minister of State for Industry, John Owan-Enoh; former Senate Leader, Victor Ndoma-Egba; Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Elvert Ayambem; and former Deputy Governor Clement Ebri, among others. Other attendees included past and current members of both the state and national assembly.
Senator Eteng Williams, who represents the Cross River Central Senatorial District, moved the motion for the endorsement of both leaders. In a voice vote, the motion was met with unanimous approval, reflecting strong support within the party.
Addressing the gathering, Senator Williams emphasized the unity within his district regarding the re-election of Governor Otu. He noted that while Otu has already made significant strides in governance, the people are eager for him to continue his development efforts.
“The applause and support he receives are not just expressions of satisfaction but a clear message for him to continue delivering good governance,” Williams remarked. He further assured that no credible challenger would emerge from the region and affirmed that the endorsement represented the consensus of all central leaders.
Speaker Ayambem, in his welcome address, highlighted the central senatorial district’s importance, describing it as the “pillar of APC in Cross River” due to its strategic political influence. He pointed out that despite past political divisions, the region had now regrouped and was committed to unity and progress.
Owan-Enoh echoed Ayambem’s sentiments, noting the central senatorial district’s voice as a key influence in the state’s political landscape. “When the central speaks, the state has spoken. There is no vacancy in 2027. The reward for hard work is more work,” he declared.
Further, Ndoma-Egba underscored the principle of power rotation among political zones, reaffirming the need for Governor Otu’s second term in office. He also predicted a continued political “earthquake” through to 2027, acknowledging the broad support for Otu and Tinubu.
In a show of solidarity, the National Assembly members from the region, including Mike Etaba, voiced their full support for the endorsements. Additionally, former PDP chairman and current member of the South-South Development Commission, Ambassador Soni Abang, commended the early endorsement, recognizing the strategic value of early planning.
Local government chairmen from the senatorial district also threw their weight behind the endorsements, further consolidating the political momentum. The Central Commissioners’ Forum, led by Dr. Erasmus Ekpang, also expressed their endorsement, praising both leaders for their transformative leadership.
APC Chairman in Cross River, Alphonsus Eba, concluded the event by lauding the unity among the central APC stakeholders. He reiterated the party’s commitment to the vision of continued development and alignment with the goals of Tinubu and Otu’s leadership.
