Stakeholders from the five Local Government Areas of Cross River North have sealed a deal to deliver bloc votes for President Bola Tinubu and Governor Bassey Otu in the 2027 general elections. The agreement was reached at a meeting held at the Ogoja Local Government Council Headquarters, attended by traditional rulers, elders, youths, women leaders, and party faithful from Ogoja, Obanliku, Obudu, Yala, and Bekwarra. The meeting was convened by the Cross River State Consultative Forum in collaboration with the Elders Advisory Council.
The meeting was a strategic dialogue on the future of the state, not a campaign rally, according to Chairman of the Consultative Forum, Barr. Eyo Nsa Ekpo. He stated that the large turnout and resounding endorsement were proof that the North is standing with Otu and Tinubu. Ekpo urged sustained grassroots mobilisation and fact-based assessment of government. The engagement was the Forum's first outing in the Northern Senatorial District.
Chairman of the Elders Advisory Council and former Governor of the state, Chief Clement Ebri, said the tour was a fact-finding mission to get first-hand assessment of the Otu administration from the people. He disclosed that Governor Otu had mandated the council to tell him the truth and was ready to make amends where there were genuine lapses. Ebri commended the Governor for his efforts to restore Cross River's oil-producing status and urged the people to remain patient as the administration fixes infrastructure deficits accumulated over the years.
State Chairman of the APC, Rt. Hon. Chris Etta, represented by his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Ugana Lukpata, said the party must mobilise both members and non-members to ensure total victory. Etta revealed that Cross River now has 46 oil wells back in its coffers, with exploration and exploitation already commenced, linking the feat to the improved relationship between the state and the Federal Government.
The highpoint of the engagement was the adoption of a communiqué jointly signed by the Forum's Chairman, Barr. Eyo Nsa Ekpo, Secretary Dr Julius Okputu, Chairman of the Drafting Committee, Ntufam Barr. Fidelis Ugbo, and Secretary, Prof. Michael Okom. The communiqué outlined the resolutions passed by the stakeholders, including a vote of confidence on Governor Otu and President Tinubu, and validation of their second term bid.
The stakeholders also demanded the completion of ongoing projects, sought more attention to development needs in the district, and affirmed that continued support for Tinubu and Otu will sustain the gains, including the recovery of 46 oil wells. The agreement was seen as a significant boost to the President and Governor's chances of winning the 2027 elections.
The deal sealed by the stakeholders in Cross River North is expected to strengthen the Governor's recognition and bargaining power at the national level. According to Ebri, the state needs to give the President a strong bloc vote to enhance the Governor's position. The stakeholders' endorsement of Tinubu and Otu is a testament to their confidence in the leadership of the President and Governor.
Key points
- The stakeholders in Cross River North have agreed to deliver bloc votes for President Bola Tinubu and Governor Bassey Otu in the 2027 general elections.
- The agreement was reached at a meeting attended by traditional rulers, elders, youths, women leaders, and party faithful from the five Local Government Areas of Cross River North.
- The stakeholders also demanded the completion of ongoing projects and sought more attention to development needs in the district.
