Cross River: APC Central Stakeholders Say ‘No Vacancy,’ Endorse Tinubu, Gov Otu, Deputy Ahead of 2027
By Judex Okoro and Missang Akpet (Ikom)
Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from Cross River State Central Senatorial District have unanimously endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Bassey Edet Otu for second terms in office, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The endorsement, which took place on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at the Ikom Township Stadium, was the outcome of a high-powered APC stakeholders’ meeting convened by the Central Progressives Initiative (CPI) in collaboration with the party’s central leadership.
The motion for endorsement was moved by Senator Eteng Jonah Williams, the lawmaker representing Cross River Central Senatorial District, and was seconded by Dr. Davis Eta of Abi State Constituency. Former Governor Clement Ebri, who chaired the event, subsequently called for a voice vote, which received unanimous approval.
In his speech, Senator Williams declared that the people and leaders of Central Cross River were united in their support for Governor Otu’s re-election. According to him, while the governor has already delivered significant development strides, the people are encouraging him to “do more.”
“The applause and support he receives are not just expressions of satisfaction but a clear message for him to continue delivering good governance. The decision to back the governor is not arbitrary but reflects a consensus among all central leaders, who were fully present and in agreement,” Williams said.
He stressed that no credible challenger could emerge from the region, noting that as the duly elected representative of the district, he was mandated to move the motion on behalf of the people.
In his welcome address, the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, described the Central Senatorial District as the “pillar of the APC in Cross River,” emphasizing its strategic geographical significance and political influence.
“Central is the nexus of the state. Our internal political divisions may have affected us in the past, but today, we have regrouped and are reawakening our commitment to unity and progress,” he stated.
Also lending his voice, former Senate Leader, Sen. Victor Ndoma-Egba, SAN, said he had foreseen a political ‘earthquake’ in the state, which he believes has already begun and will continue until 2027. He reiterated the principle of power rotation by zones and declared that Governor Otu deserves a second term.
Elder Bolaji Anani from Abi LGA reinforced the sentiment of unity, stating: “The People’s Prince should be returned in 2027, just as President Tinubu should continue until 2031. They are both delivering on the dividends of democracy. Abi stands for continuity.”
Amb. Soni Abang, a former PDP chairman and now member of the South South Development Commission (SSDC), said early endorsements give room for strategic planning. He commended President Tinubu’s reformist agenda and Governor Otu’s economic management, noting that the state’s debt burden has been cut by 50% under Otu’s leadership.
Minister of State for Industry and former senator, John Owan Enoh, described the Central District as the voice of Cross River politics. “When Central speaks, the state has spoken. There’s no vacancy in 2027. The reward for hard work is more work,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of National Assembly members, Rt. Hon. Mike Etaba (Obubra/Etung Federal Constituency) affirmed that all APC federal lawmakers from the zone were in full alignment with the endorsements.
In a show of collective commitment, all six local government chairmen from the central district, led by the Yakurr chairman who doubles as Chairman of Chairmen, moved a joint motion for the endorsement of President Tinubu, Governor Otu, and the Deputy Governor. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Mercy Nsor, Chairperson of Ikom LGA.
Similarly, the Central Commissioners Forum, led by the Commissioner for Information, Dr. Erasmus Ekpang, also endorsed the trio, describing their leadership as transformative.
Concluding the event, the APC State Chairman, Barr. Alphonsus Eba, commended the Central APC stakeholders for their unity and unwavering support for Governor Otu, pledging the party’s continued alignment with the vision of continuity and development.
