Ikom, October 29, 2024 – In preparation for the upcoming local government elections in Cross River State on November 2, 2024, Governor Bassey Otu officially launched the All Progressives Congress, APC campaign, emphasising a commitment to grassroots development.
Represented by Deputy Governor Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, PhD, the flag-off ceremony was held on Sunday at Ikom Township Stadium.
In his remarks, Governor Otu congratulated the APC Chairmanship and Councillorship candidates, commending the rigorous and transparent selection process that led to their nominations.
He highlighted the crucial role of local government administration in advancing rural development, aligning with his administration’s “People First” vision for an APC-led state.
Deputy Governor Odey underscored the Otu administration’s accomplishments over the past 17 months, listing infrastructure advancements across the three senatorial districts, improved security, enhanced healthcare, quality education, and strengthened workforce capacity.
He assured the public of a free, fair, and credible election under the Cross River State Independent Electoral Commission (CROSIEC), urging support for APC candidates to sustain the state’s socioeconomic and developmental momentum.
APC State Chairman Alphonsus Ogar Eba thanked Governor Otu for his transparent leadership, which he said has galvanised overwhelming support for both the administration and the APC. Eba encouraged party members, especially those who were not successful in the primaries, to prioritise the party’s unity and collective goals.
Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, also addressed the crowd, calling for reconciliation and unity within the party. He stressed that beyond winning elections, the primary duty of any political party is to foster harmony among its members.
State APC Deputy Chairman, Hon. Ekum Ojogu, further encouraged party members and Cross Riverians to rally behind Governor Otu’s vision. He urged all members to set aside any grievances, united in a shared objective of securing victory for the APC in the upcoming elections.
In a show of solidarity, representatives from the Southern, Northern, and Central Senatorial districts voiced their support for Governor Otu’s leadership. These leaders, including Rt. Hon. Alex Ukam, Ntufam Fidelis Ugbo, and Senator Eteng Jones Williams, encouraged Cross Riverians to actively support the Governor and the APC by voting en masse on election day.
Hon. (Dr) Sunny Ayang, APC Chairmanship Candidate for Obanliku, spoke on behalf of all candidates, expressing gratitude to the Governor, Deputy Governor, and party leadership for their unwavering support. Ayang assured supporters that candidates across the 18 LGAs would focus on issue-based campaigns and, if elected, would deliver on promises to bring the dividends of democracy to their constituents.
The event culminated in the presentation of flags to the 18 APC Chairmanship candidates, symbolising their endorsement and readiness to represent the party in the November 2 election.