The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Cross River State has declared full support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Bassey Otu in 2027, passing a vote of confidence on their leadership and warning of strict consequences for any internal opposition.
The declaration was made during a grand reception and “Thank You” rally held at the U.J. Esuene Stadium in Calabar on Thursday.
The event, organized by the APC Southern Senatorial District, drew thousands of supporters and party leaders to celebrate the achievements of the Tinubu administration and Governor Otu’s leadership.
Chairman of the APC in Cross River, Mr. Alphonsus Eba, made the party’s stance clear, stating that both leaders had performed exceptionally well and deserved a second term.
“Based on the performance of President Tinubu and Governor Otu, we have passed a vote of confidence for their return in 2027,” Eba said.
“Any APC member who comes out to contest the governorship primaries against Governor Otu in 2027 will be expelled from the party.”
Also speaking, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, representing the Southern Senatorial District, noted that their 2022 support for Tinubu was rooted in his proven governance record in Lagos State.
He credited Tinubu’s economic reforms and security initiatives with transforming Lagos into the second-largest economy in Africa.
“We endorse you today for a second term because you stopped the corrupt fuel subsidy regime, stabilized the exchange rate, and introduced reforms with lasting impact,” Ekpenyong said.
On his part, Governor Bassey Otu thanked the President for fulfilling key promises made to Cross River, especially regarding the Bakassi Deep Seaport project and the dredging of the Calabar Channel.
Otu, who came into office under the “People First” mantra, outlined his administration’s strides in economic growth, infrastructure, and security.
“When I assumed office, there were over 16 criminal camps in the state. Today, we have dismantled all but one. By the end of July, we will clear the last,” Otu declared, calling on remaining hoodlums to accept the state’s amnesty offer.
He assured residents that in the next two years, his administration would expand development to untouched areas and continue laying a sustainable foundation for future growth.
“Our economic indices have shifted positively, both in GDP and productivity. We thank all senatorial districts for endorsing our second-term ambition,” he added.
Dignitaries at the rally included Senator Florence Ita-Giwa and former Minister of Culture and Tourism, Mr. Edem Duke, among others. The show of unity within the party appears to be a strategic move to consolidate support ahead of the 2027 general elections.
