Gov. Bassey Otu.
By Anietie Akpan
The Governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Otu, has reaffirmed that the growing wave of defections to the All Progressives Congress (APC) is propelled by the sterling performance of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, rather than political calculations.
Governor Otu made this assertion during a high-profile event where he, alongside Nigeria’s Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, and the National Chairman of the APC, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, formally received Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, into the APC family on Monday.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Nsa Gill, Governor Otu described the entrance of Governor Oborevwori into the APC as not just a political move but a thoughtful and courageous response to the growing aspirations for a better Delta State, a more prosperous Niger Delta, and a stronger Nigeria.
Governor Otu emphasized that Cross River, which for years stood as the lone APC-governed state in the South-South, now proudly shares the progressive banner with Delta and Edo States, marking a new dawn of strengthened political realignment in the region.
“An increasing number of South-South states under APC governance is a dream realized,” Governor Otu remarked, highlighting President Tinubu’s transformational leadership that has inspired trust, value reorientation, infrastructural rebirth, and economic rejuvenation across the nation.
Describing the mass defection led by Governor Oborevwori — with former Governor Senator Ifeanyi Okowa and key PDP structures in Delta — as a historic moment, Governor Otu noted that it sets the stage for “deeper regional collaboration, accelerated economic development, and greater political stability”.
As Vice Chairman of the South-South Governors’ Forum, Governor Otu urged Governor Oborevwori, other political stalwarts, and their supporters who have now joined the APC to bring their wealth of experience and grassroots mobilization strength to bear in advancing the collective quest for a flourishing South-South and a renewed Nigeria.
“Your Excellency’s decision to board the progressive train is a profound testament to your commitment to inclusive governance, sustainable development, and national unity. I am confident that your leadership will further galvanize our collective resolve to deliver the dividends of democracy to our people and drive forward the Renewed Hope Agenda championed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Governor Otu declared.
Governor Otu concluded with a warm and optimistic welcome, saying, “Welcome aboard, Your Excellency. Together, we shall chart a new course of greatness for our region and our nation.”
