Cross River: Fear Grips Commissioners, Aides Over Resignation Order, Lobby For Otu's Endorsement
Bassey BASSEY
Tension has gripped some commissioners, special advisers, and agency heads in Cross River State following Governor Bassey Otu’s directive that political appointees intending to contest elective positions in the 2027 elections must resign from their posts.
At the last State Executive Council meeting, the governor instructed all appointees with political ambitions to step down and participate in party primaries, a move that reportedly surprised many who had assumed tacit approval from the governor to run while remaining in office.
Sources close to Government House told The Beagle News that several commissioners and aides are hesitant to resign and are instead quietly lobbying the governor for outright endorsement or assurances that they will be accommodated in the Executive Council even if they contest and lose. One insider said, “Oga is keeping his distance and is clear that anyone wishing to run must resign and go to the field. He does not want his name used for political advantage.”
Governor Otu is reportedly reluctant to impose candidates at both state and National Assembly elections, seeking to avoid political backlash. Appointees remain cautious, particularly given that Section 84 of the Electoral (Amendment) Act allows parties to choose candidates through either consensus or direct primaries, placing significant influence in the hands of the governor and party leadership.
Party primaries are scheduled between April 23 and May 30, 2026, while the Presidential and National Assembly elections are slated for January 16, 2027, and governorship and state assembly elections in 28 states will hold on February 6, 2027. Governors and the President have directed political appointees to resign by March 26, 2026, to comply with the timeline.
As the deadline approaches, no commissioner has formally resigned, citing ongoing consultations with the governor and party leaders. A few appointees have indicated they are not pursuing National Assembly positions.
However, Commissioners for Health, Dr. Egbe Ayuk; Special Duties, Mr. Oden Ewa; and Environment, Moses Osogbo are reportedly finalising plans to resign and contest elections for the House of Representatives in Obubra/Etung, Cross River Central senatorial district, and Abia/Yakurr federal constituency, respectively. Ayuk has begun printing campaign materials, Ewa is said to have set up campaign coordinators, while Osogbo is said to be seeking endorsement before formally stepping down.
In Biase, Commissioner for Youths, Mr. Ijom Ukam, has been sharing photos of him with Governor Otu among constituents, fueling speculation about his potential candidacy in Biase/Akamkpe federal constituency.
The developments signal an intense political season ahead in Cross River as appointees weigh resignation against the need for gubernatorial support in the 2027 elections.
THE BEAGLE NEWS
