C’River APC backs Tinubu, Otu for 2027

Top members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Cross River State gathered on Tuesday evening for an expanded caucus meeting held at Hogis Royale Hotel in Calabar.

The meeting focused on reviewing the political direction of the party in the state and assessing progress made in governance.

Prominent party figures in attendance included former Governor Clement Ebri, Dame Florence Ita-Giwa, Senators Eteng Jonah Williams and Asuquo Ekpenyong, Speaker of the State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, Rt. Hon. Mike Etaba, Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment Senator John Owan Enoh, Prof. Eyo Etim Nyong, and Ada Bekwarra Omang Idiege.

During the gathering, party leaders praised Governor Bassey Edet Otu for his remarkable achievements in less than two years in office.

They highlighted key improvements in infrastructure, security, education, healthcare, aviation, and agriculture as signs of steady progress under his leadership.

In a unanimous resolution, the caucus passed a vote of confidence and endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Bassey Otu, and Deputy Governor Rt. Hon. Peter Odey for a second term in office come 2027. President Tinubu was praised for his decisive leadership and sweeping economic reforms, while Governor Otu’s “People First” governance style received even greater acclaim.

Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong moved the motion for Otu’s second-term endorsement, seconded by Hon. John Ulafor. Similarly, Hon. Victor Abang moved the motion backing President Tinubu’s re-election, seconded by Speaker Elvert Ayambem.

The meeting concluded with a communiqué issued under the chairmanship of the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Stephen Odey. The drafting committee included Dr. Odey, APC State Publicity Secretary Hon. Emmanuel Edem Inyang, former Commissioner for Climate Change Dr. Alice Ekwu, Commissioner for Establishment Hon. Lawrencia Ita, and Rt. Hon. Hilary Bisong of Boki II.

Among the key resolutions was the formation of a high-powered delegation led by Governor Otu and his deputy to engage President Tinubu in Abuja over concerns of marginalization in federal appointments and infrastructure projects.

Stakeholders also expressed deep appreciation to the President for initiating key projects like the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Special Agro-Processing Zone, describing them as game-changers under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Governor Otu received accolades for his consistent efforts to improve security across the state, with a call from stakeholders to maintain the current effective security framework.

The caucus also stressed the importance of regular consultations between government and stakeholders to foster inclusive development and ensure sustained party unity.

They reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening internal cohesion and securing APC’s political dominance in Cross River.

In his response, Governor Otu thanked party leaders for their unwavering support and reiterated his commitment to delivering on his campaign promises.

“My focus is to fulfill the mandate freely given to me by Cross Riverians. I urge everyone to join me in building a better state instead of engaging in divisive politics,” he said.

He added, “By 2031, I will leave Cross River State significantly better than I met it—economically stronger, more secure, and full of opportunities for all.”