By Our Reporter
The Allied People’s Movement, APM, has offered to grant Chief Akin Anderson Ricketts an immediate waiver and promised to hand him its 2027 Cross River Central Senatorial District ticket, declaring him “The Rescue” the zone desperately needs.
In a letter dated April 29, 2026, and signed by APM State Chairman, Pst Ntami Esege, the party said the Central District was “presently missing out” on effective representation in the Red Chamber, with “dividends of democracy” reduced to “distant echoes”.
“We have reached one conclusion – our zone needs a rescue, and that rescue has a name: Chief Akin Ricketts,” the letter stated. “This is not just a party ticket. It is the collective mandate, the cry, and the last hope of a people who have been shortchanged for too long.”
The APM hinged its appeal on Ricketts’ record as former Cross River Commissioner for Information and ex-Chairman of the Nigeria Ports Authority, NPA, citing “transparency, visionary leadership, and an unshakable commitment to public good” during his tenure.
The party appealed directly to former Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, to “release” Ricketts to answer what it called “the clarion call of his people”.
“We further appeal to you to graciously convince our revered leader… why he should release you to answer this call of destiny,” the letter read.
Ricketts, a prominent figure in Cross River politics, is yet to publicly respond to the demands and is presently a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, ADC.
The APM said it was ready to “mobilize every structure” across Ikom, Etung, Boki, Yakurr, Abi and Obubra LGAs to ensure victory if he accepts.
“Chief, history is watching. Cross River Central is waiting. The women in Ikom, the farmers in Etung, the traders in Boki, the youths in Yakurr – they all believe that with you in the Senate, the narrative will change. Come and be that change,” the party pleaded.
The early move ahead of the 027 elections, signals a fierce battle for the Central District seat currently held by APC. The district comprises 6 LGAs and over 250,000 voters.
