By Ita Williams, Calabar
The Cross River State Executive Committee (EXCO) of the All-Progressives Congress (APC) has formally endorsed Governor Bassey Edet Otu and his deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, for a second term in office in the 2027 governorship election.
This endorsement was made on Monday, March 31 at the party’s secretariat during a press briefing with journalists.
The State Chairman of APC, Barrister Alphonsus Eba, affirmed the party’s firm support for the current administration, stating that Governor Otu’s leadership has demonstrated remarkable progress in governance.
“In just one year and ten months in office, we have seen clear evidence that we made the right choice. One good turn deserves another, and that is why we have decided, in unison, that Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu is our sole candidate for the 2027 governorship election,” Eba declared.
According to him, the party’s State Working Committee and State Executive Committee unanimously resolved to back the governor for re-election, noting that Otu’s administration has maintained stability and growth in the state, reinforcing the party’s commitment to continuity.
Eba underlined the strong partnership between Governor Otu and his Deputy, praising Odey’s intelligence, loyalty, and untiring support for the governor.
“Nobody changes a winning team. The governor has shown wisdom and a deep commitment to the progress of our state. By the special grace of God, these two will once again fly the APC flag in 2027,” he said.
He further urged party members and support groups to engage in grassroots mobilization, encouraging unity among APC members and reaching out to opposition supporters.
“Nobody preaches to the converted; our focus is on bringing more people into our fold. Cross River politics has always been built on a trajectory of peace, love, unity, and progress. We must continue this tradition and ensure the governor’s re-election,” Eba added.
Eba stated that even if he (Otu) was hesitant to run, the party would procure a single ticket with his name on it, just as they did in 2023.
“The people of Cross River State have seen where he is leading us, and they are confident in his ability to steer us toward prosperity. We appeal to him to heed the overwhelming desire of party members who want him to continue his good work,” he said.
Eba also commended Odey, now acting governor, for boldly supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State saying, that while some South-South governors attempted to misrepresent Cross River’s stance, Odey stood firm.
“The decision to support the president’s action was a courageous one, and we are proud of our leaders. That intervention has restored peace, preventing what could have escalated into a major crisis,” Eba asserted.
Eba addressed concerns regarding various political associations within the party, particularly the Northern Coalition of Cross River State, which has pledged to support Governor Otu’s re-election.
“We recognize the Northern Coalition as a legitimate APC support group. However, it must register formally with the party to ensure proper recognition and structure,” he clarified and urged party officials listed as advisers to the Northern Coalition, including himself, to withdraw their names immediately.
“The APC serves as an umbrella for all support groups, and we will not show favoritism. Any group formed to strengthen the party is welcome, provided they adhere to the party’s code of conduct,” Eba said.
The APC chairman strongly condemned the actions of a lawyer, Barrister Bernard Afu, who allegedly filed a petition against a sitting senator under the guise of an APC stakeholder group.
“No one is authorized to engage legal representation on behalf of the APC except under my leadership. We completely dissociate ourselves from the petition concerning the 12.5-billion-naira constituency fund,” he stated firmly.
He further called on party members to focus on governance rather than distractions. He vowed that the APC would work diligently to reclaim opposition-held National Assembly seats in the Northern Senatorial District during the next election cycle.
Eba concluded the briefing by stressing that the party’s priority remains ensuring a strong and united APC ahead of the 2027 elections and “with hard work and dedication, we will reclaim our lost seats and ensure APC remains the dominant force in Cross River politics”.
Recall that members of the State Executive Council and Forum of Special Advisers to the Governor had recently carried out similar endorsement saying, “no vacancy come 2027”.
