…As Party Chairman Defends Emergency Rule in Rivers State
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Cross River state has formally endorsed Governor Bassey Otu and his Deputy, Peter Agbe Odey, as the party’s sole candidates for the forthcoming 2027 governorship election NEGROIDHAVEN can say.
The announcement was made by the APC State Chairman, Alphonsus Eba, Esq., during a press briefing in Calabar on Monday. He emphasized that Governor Otu’s achievements in office have justified the party’s confidence in his leadership, describing his administration as one of “unprecedented economic transformation, peace, and progress.”
Eba stated that the party’s State Working Committee and the State Executive Committee met at the Peregrino Government House, where they unanimously resolved that Otu and Odey should be the party’s flagbearers in the next election.
According to the APC Chairman, the decision to declare Otu and Odey as the party’s preferred candidates was based on their performance in office. He argued that the opposition’s early political maneuvering prompted the APC to take a proactive stance.
“Nobody changes a winning team. His Excellency, Governor Bassey Otu, has demonstrated wisdom, commitment, and competence in governing the state, while his Deputy has shown loyalty, intellect, and a strong support base. This is why we are saying, just like in 2023, that we will procure only one ticket in 2027, and it will bear the names of these two leaders,” Eba declared.
He also directed all party members and support groups to commence grassroots mobilization ahead of the elections, stressing the need to win over opposition members.
Eba used the press briefing to commend the Acting Governor of Cross River state, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, for publicly aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State.
He dismissed criticisms that the action was unconstitutional, arguing that President Tinubu acted within the provisions of Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution to prevent a security crisis.
“Were we supposed to wait until Rivers state descended into full-blown war before taking action? The President’s decision was timely and necessary to prevent further violence,” Eba stated.
He also defended the Acting Governor’s stance, revealing that some South-South Governors had attempted to misrepresent Cross River’s position, but Odey courageously clarified that he had not been consulted on any contrary resolution.
Addressing the rise of political associations within the party, Eba reiterated that all support groups must be officially registered under the APC. He particularly acknowledged the Northern Coalition, which he described as an APC-aligned structure supporting the re-election of Otu and Odey. However, he stressed that the group must operate as a recognized support group under the party rather than an independent political entity.
Similarly, he acknowledged emerging groups such as “CENTRICO” and the “Southern Summit,” affirming their right to exist while urging them to operate within the party’s guidelines.
In a final remark, Eba distanced the APC from a recent petition against the Senator representing Cross River North, regarding the alleged mismanagement of a ₦12.5 billion constituency fund. He warned party members against engaging legal counsel on behalf of the APC without authorization.
“This party disassociates itself from any such petitions. Governance is our priority, and we urge all members to focus on supporting the administration of Governor Otu,” he stated.
The press conference ended with a reaffirmation of the APC’s commitment to securing all legislative seats in Cross River North in the next election.
