2027: Market Women Forum Endorse Tinubu, Otu for Second Term, at Calabar Mega Rally
By Missang AKPET
Thousands of market women today converged at the U.J. Esuene Stadium in Calabar for the official launch of the Cross River Market Women Forum for Greatness, a traders’ political pressure group.
The group used the event and mega rally to endorse President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Bassey Edet Otu for a second term in the 2027 general elections.
The founder of the forum and wife of the Cross River State Governor, Bishop Eyoanwan Otu, said the organization is “a movement of hope, unity, and prosperity” designed to provide financial advocacy and capacity building for market women across the state’s 18 local government areas.
Represented by the wife of the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Mrs. Nelly Elvert Ayambem, Bishop Otu revealed that the market women are appreciative of the Otu-led administration, which they say has not neglected them since its inception.
Representing the State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, Deputy Governor Rt. Hon. Peter Odey noted that the Otu-led administration considers market women critical drivers of the economy, while hailing their resilience.
He urged the women to ensure they collect their Permanent Voter’s Cards ahead of 2027 and participate in the elections.
“This is the time to go and get your voter’s card. Endorsement will not win us the elections, but your votes on election day are what will give us the mandate,” he said.
In her remarks, Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, represented by Bishop Eyoanwan Otu, stressed the Renewed Hope Agenda’s focus on economic inclusion for women through access to opportunities, skills, finance, and social support.
“We jointly reiterate our total commitment and support as we endorse the candidacy of His Excellency Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu,” Mrs. Tinubu stated.
She, however, moved a motion for the endorsement of Governor Senator Bassey Otu and President Bola Tinubu for a second term in office, which was accepted by all.
The Secretary of the Forum, Mrs. Rita Egbe, said over 400 women have already benefited from entrepreneurship training and market renovations under the current administration, but appealed for more support on security, access roads, sanitation, and fire disaster recovery.
The rally ended with calls for unity, grassroots economic empowerment, and sustained backing for both federal and state leadership while the women were given financial support for their businesses, starter packs, bags of rice, food stuff as well as wrappers.
