Cross River APC Backs Tinubu, Otu for 2027, Warns Against Intra-Party Opposition

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Cross River State has thrown its full weight behind President Bola Tinubu and Governor Bassey Otu, endorsing them for reelection in 2027.

This endorsement came during a grand reception and ‘Thank You’ rally organised by the party’s Southern Senatorial District on Thursday at the UJ Esuene Stadium, where party leaders affirmed their unwavering support.

Speaking at the event, Alphonsus Eba, Chairman of the APC in Cross River, declared that the party had passed a vote of confidence in both Tinubu and Otu, citing their impressive records.

“Any APC member who comes out to run against Governor Otu for the party’s governorship ticket in 2027 will be expelled,” Eba warned.

In his remarks, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, representing the state’s Southern Senatorial District, recalled how they had backed Tinubu’s presidential ambition in 2022 due to his track record in Lagos, where he governed from 1999 to 2007.

“His reforms made Lagos Africa’s second largest economy worth over $259 billion. Today, we endorse you again for a second term because you’ve ended the corrupt fuel subsidy regime and tackled exchange rate distortions,” Ekpenyong said.

The senator also praised Governor Otu’s achievements in security and infrastructure, describing them as unmatched, and affirmed the district’s support for his second term bid.

Responding, Governor Otu lauded President Tinubu for keeping his promises to Cross River and the nation at large. He pledged that the state would deliver 96 percent of its votes to the President in 2027.

Otu highlighted his “People’s First” agenda, noting that in two years his administration had laid a strong economic foundation.

“Our GDP and productivity levels have improved. On security, we’ve dismantled over 16 criminal camps, leaving just one. By the end of July, there will be none,” he asserted, while inviting remaining criminals to embrace the state’s amnesty programme.

On the Bakassi Deep Seaport project, Otu revealed that plans were underway, with President Tinubu committing to dredge the Calabar channel to link the port to the deep sea.

He thanked all the state’s senatorial zones for endorsing him and the President, promising to continue working tirelessly for the remainder of his tenure.

Notable dignitaries at the rally included Senator Florence Ita-Giwa and former Minister of Culture and Tourism, Edem Duke, among others.