News Editor
By David Odama
The Cross River State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) expanded caucus has in a unanimous decision passed a vote of confidence and endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Governor Bassey Edet Otu, and Deputy Governor Rt. Hon. Peter Odey for a second term in office come 2027.
The party in an enlarged caucus meeting in Calabar, which brought together the crème de la crème of the to deliberate on the state’s political trajectory and governance progress. featured a stellar array of political heavyweights, including former Governor Clement Ebri, Dame Princess Florence Ita-Giwa, Senator Eteng Jonah Williams.
Others include, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, , Rt. Hon. Mike Etaba, and the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Senator John Owan Enoh, Prof. Eyo Etim Nyong, Ada Bekwarra Omang Idiege.
The meeting also offered these party stalwarts opportunity to extolled Governor Bassey Otu’s remarkable strides under two years—particularly in infrastructure, security, education, healthcare, aviation, and agriculture.
Speakers praised President Tinubu’s bold leadership and economic reform agenda at the national level, while even more resounding applause was reserved for Governor Otu, whose “People First” governance style was described as transformative.
To formalize the endorsements, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, representing Cross River South Senatorial District, moved the motion for the governor’s second-term bid, seconded by Hon. John Ulafor. Similarly, Hon. Victor Abang, representing Ikom/Boki Federal Constituency, moved the motion in favor of President Tinubu’s re-election, which was seconded by Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, Speaker of the State House of Assembly.
A communiqué was issued at the end of the meeting, chaired by the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Stephen Odey. The drafting committee included Dr. Odey himself, Hon. Emmanuel Edem Inyang (APC State Publicity Secretary), Dr. Alice Ekwu (former Commissioner for Climate Change), Hon. Lawrencia Ita (Commissioner for Establishment), and Rt. Hon. Hilary Bisong (Member representing Boki II in the House of Assembly).
Among the key resolutions, the communiqué called for the immediate formation of a high-powered delegation of eminent Cross Riverians—led by Governor Otu and his deputy—to engage President Tinubu in Abuja over the perceived marginalization of the state in federal appointments and infrastructural considerations.
The stakeholders also expressed profound gratitude to the President for approving and initiating the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Special Agro-Processing Zone project in Cross River, describing them as transformational efforts under the Renewed Hope Agenda that will positively impact generations to come.
Governor Otu’s consistent efforts to curb insecurity across the state were also lauded. Stakeholders encouraged him to sustain the current security architecture, which they noted has been instrumental in restoring calm and stability to many communities.
The caucus further emphasized the need for regular engagement between government and key stakeholders to promote synergy, deepen governance, and foster inclusive development across all sectors.
Above all, the expanded caucus reaffirmed that unity within the party is paramount. They resolved to bridge all gaps, strengthen internal cohesion, and maintain APC’s dominance as the leading political force in Cross River State.
In a statement by the Chief press secretary to the governor, Nsa Gill, Governor Bassey Otu thanked the stakeholders for their steadfast support and solidarity. He reiterated that his focus remains on delivering his campaign promises, unbothered by political distractions or opposition theatrics.
“My preoccupation is to fulfill the mandate freely given to me by Cross Riverians. I urge everyone to join me in building a better state rather than indulge in divisive politics,” the governor stated.
He concluded with a firm pledge: “By 2031, I will leave Cross River State significantly better than I met it—economically stronger, more secure, and filled with opportunities for all.”
