By Ita Williams
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Cross River state has called for continuity in governance and therefore adopted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima as well as Governor Bassey Out and his deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, to continue in office beyond 2027.
The party made the call during a well-attended rally hosted by a group, Central Progressives Initiative, on Saturday at the Ikom Township Stadium.
Speaking, former Governor of Cross River State and Chairman of the occasion, Dr. Clement Ebri, said, “Governor Bassey Otu and his deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, deserve our unwavering support.”
He emphasized the importance of early endorsement, noting, “Even though we are two years away, I believe that showcasing our support will enhance their performance. Governor Otu has achieved remarkable results with limited resources; he has truly made fish out of crumbs.”
Dr. Ebri called on all attendees to commit to supporting both the governor and President Tinubu. “I want to remind you that our president and his vice equally need our affirmation. I urge everyone present to give them the necessary support to ensure they excel in 2027.”
In his remarks, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, Speaker of the House of Assembly, praised the unity among the people of Ikom Central.
“Our strength is undeniable. We appreciate our Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, and his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, for their outstanding performances. As the voices of Central, we urge our constituents to support our deserving leaders for their second term in office in the 2027 general elections.” Ayambem stressed.
Cross River State APC Chairman Barr. Alphonsus Eba echoed similar sentiments, urging the Central Senatorial District to recognize the Governor’s achievements over the past two years.
“We need to ensure that everyone in Cross River votes massively for their continuity in the 2027 elections,” he stated.
Senator Owan Enoh, Minister of State for Industry, Trade, and Investment, weighed in, highlighting the governor’s alignment with the president.
“The endorsement today reflects our commitment to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Otu. The achievements of this administration speak volumes about their visionary leadership,” he noted.
He mentioned tangible improvements, stating, “Nigeria’s external reserves have grown significantly, and projects, such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, are under construction.”
In his remarks, Senator Eteng Williams, representing Cross River Central Senatorial District, emphasized the collective decision to support the governor and president for a second term.
“The Central has resolved, and we move to endorse our Governor Bassey Otu and his Deputy, alongside President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima, for 2027,” he declared.
Also, speaking, Hon. Suny Abang reiterated the importance of supporting their leaders, saying, “We are here to endorse and support what our governor is doing. The Boki people stand firmly behind our governor and president.”
Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, a former Senate leader, concluded the rally by advocating that Governor Otu serves a full eight-year term. He described the early endorsement as a “necessary move.”
“We should endorse him now so that he can continue his work unimpeded,” he said, adding that there is no better time than now for such endorsements.
Similarly, all the Commissioners, led by the Commissioner of Information, Mr. Erasmus Ekpang joined voices to call on the state to support the Governor and his Deputy; The President and his Vice in 2027 elections in view of their laudable achievements in less than two years in office to enable them continue delivering the dividends of democracy.
Pillar Today reports that the rally attracted thousands of party members, stakeholders, business leaders, youths and market women, signifying strong grassroots support for the APC’s future candidates.
