Governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, and his Deputy, Hon. Peter Odey
By Ita Williams, Calabar
A pro-government group, Grassroots Initiative for Otu/Odey 2027, has called for widespread support for the re-election of Governor Bassey Edet Otu and his deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, in the 2027 gubernatorial election in Cross River State.
The group said its objective is to promote good governance and ensure continuity of ongoing development efforts across the state.
The call was made on Thursday during a media briefing held at the Ernest Etim Bassey Press Centre in Calabar, where members formally unveiled the movement.
The initiative described itself as a people-driven platform aimed at mobilising grassroots support and fostering political stability ahead of the next election cycle.
Addressing journalists, the Founder and Director General of the group, who is doubled as Special Adviser to the Governor on Media Advocacy, Awade Friday, announced the official launch of the movement.
“Today, April 9, 2026, we formally unveil the Grassroots Initiative for Otu/Odey 2027, a people-centred movement born out of extensive consultation and a shared commitment to progressive leadership,” he said.
Friday noted that the group’s advocacy is rooted in what he described as a growing demand among citizens for continuity in governance.
According to him, “Across communities, there is a clear desire for stability, sustained development, and leadership that prioritises the welfare of the people.”
He explained that the initiative would focus on sensitising citizens at the grassroots level and building consensus among stakeholders in support of the current administration.
“Our mission is to unite the people and rally support for leadership that has demonstrated competence and commitment to service,” he added.
The group further called on political parties, civil society organisations, and community leaders to support what it termed a “consensus candidacy” for the Otu/Odey ticket in 2027.
It stressed that its position was not based on partisanship but on performance and governance outcomes.
Highlighting achievements of the administration, the group cited infrastructure development, agricultural reforms, improved transportation systems, and enhanced public safety.
It also referenced the recovery of Tinapa Business and Resort from the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) as a significant milestone aimed at revitalising the state’s economy.
The group commended the leadership style of Governor Otu and his deputy, describing their partnership as effective and result-oriented.
It urged citizens, including youths, women, and traditional leaders, to embrace unity and participate constructively in the democratic process, noting that “consensus is a strategy for stability, growth, and collective prosperity.”
