A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Austine Ibok, has initiated a political movement aimed at mobilizing support for the re-election of Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, and his Deputy, Peter Odey, in the 2027 governorship election.
The movement, known as the United Coalition Movement for Prince Otu and Odey (UCMPOO), was unveiled after Otu was declared and adopted as its preferred candidate for the 2027 election. According to Ibok, UCMPOO is a broad-based political platform designed to mobilize support for the governor and promote reconciliation among political stakeholders in the state.
Ibok, who is the Director-General of the movement, stated that UCMPOO is anchored on the principle of “Built On Integrity”. The movement aims to bring together members of different political tendencies ahead of the 2027 election. It will focus on engaging opposition members, promoting political reconciliation, and integrating old and new members of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The group’s mandate includes galvanizing opposition members, pursuing political reconciliation, and integrating old APC members. Ibok emphasized that the movement will create a trusted platform for Governor Otu to reach out to those who may feel sidelined, unheard, or dissatisfied. This approach is expected to foster unity and inclusivity across the state.
UCMPOO will operate across the 18 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Cross River State with a rallying slogan: “United in purpose! One Voice!! One Victory!!!” The movement’s goal is to bridge political differences and unite stakeholders across the state around a common purpose. Ibok expressed confidence that this united front will drive the governor’s re-election campaign.
The launch of UCMPOO is seen as a strategic move to consolidate support for Governor Otu and Deputy Governor Odey. By promoting reconciliation and integration, the movement aims to strengthen the political base of the incumbent administration. This development is expected to shape the political landscape of Cross River State in the lead-up to the 2027 election.
As the 2027 governorship election approaches, the activities of UCMPOO will likely be closely monitored by political stakeholders in Cross River State. The movement’s success in mobilizing support for Governor Otu and Deputy Governor Odey will depend on its ability to effectively engage opposition members and promote a unified political front.
Key points
- The movement, UCMPOO, was established to mobilize support for Governor Bassey Otu and Deputy Governor Peter Odey.
- UCMPOO aims to promote political reconciliation and integration across the 18 LGAs of Cross River State.
- The movement is anchored on the principle of “Built On Integrity” and seeks to create a trusted platform for Governor Otu.
