2027: PDP Stalwart, Ibok, Dumps Opposition, Endorses Otu's APC For Second Term
By Judex OKORO
An All Democratic Congress (ADC) stakeholder in Cross River, Mr Austine Ibok, has announced total support and endorsed Gov. Bassey Otu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for second term ahead the governorship election.
Ibok, in a political declaration issued on Friday in Calabar, said his decision followed consultations with his family, political associates, stakeholders, supporters and followers across the state.
He said his decision was based on his assessment of the political situation in the state and what he described as the collective interest of Cross River.
Ibok alleged that the absence of cohesion, equity, justice, fairness and sincerity in his former political party, particularly in the handling of zoning and other critical leadership decisions, made his continued alignment with the party impossible.
“Accordingly, and in the overriding interest of Cross River State, I hereby officially declare my full endorsement and adoption of Governor Prince Bassey Edet Otu and his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, under the platform of the APC, as our preferred governorship ticket for the 2027 elections,” he said.
He said his support for the Otu-Odey ticket was informed by what he described as visible leadership and measurable achievements of the administration.
According to him, these include efforts to improve security, investment in critical infrastructure, the pursuit of the recovery of the state’s oil wells and the advancement of the Bakassi Deep Seaport Project.
Ibok said the initiatives represented a vision for sustainable economic growth and prosperity in the state.
He subsequently directed his supporters, political associates, friends, family members and coordinators across the 18 Local Government Areas and 196 wards to collapse their political structures and mobilise support for Otu’s re-election.
He also announced plans to unveil a political movement in the coming weeks, with structures extending from the ward level to its proposed central headquarters in Calabar.
“The movement will be strategically organised and adequately resourced to deliver victory in 2027.
“Our mission is clear and unwavering: Victory First,” he said.
Ibok, however, said his position on the presidential candidate and other elective offices would be communicated at the appropriate time.
He said his decision was driven by performance, political realities and the desire for effective and purposeful governance in Cross River.
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