Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress in Cross River state have thrown their weight behind the second term bid of Governor Bassey Edet Otu and his deputy, Hon Peter Odey.
Their endorsement came after a thorough consultation among the State Working Committee and State Executive Committee held in Calabar on Monday.
Speaking on behalf of the stakeholders, APC’s chairman in Cross River, Barr Alphonsus Eba, highlighted their motivation stemming from Otu’s outstanding leadership and significant achievements in various sectors, including infrastructure, health, agriculture, and education.
Eba remarked, “The clear guidance that led to Senator Bassey Edet Otu’s emergence as our party’s candidate in 2022 and his subsequent victory in 2023, along with his nearly two years in office, confirm that our choice was indeed the right one.
“It’s a well-known fact that one should not alter a successful team. Our governor possesses great wisdom, and thus, our party has decided that this exceptional duo, Otu and Odey, by the special grace of God will fly the flag of our party in 2027.
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“The Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria guarantees the right to seek second term, and because this party is in full support of His Excellency the Governor and his deputy, even if he is unwilling to run, we are saying that we will procure only one ticket and we will have his name, just like we did in 2023.
Contrastingly, Eba stressed that no automatic return ticket will be offered for other positions aside from those of the Governor and Deputy Governor, reiterating that everyone has the right to aspire for any other seats.
“In Cross River state politics, we’d like to make it clear that any individual wishing to run for any office, apart from the Governor and Deputy Governor, is free to do so.
“We have not given automatic seats or tickets to anybody apart from the Governor and Deputy Governor. Everybody is therefore enjoined to please return back to their constituents and work with them to make sure they get the support of their people.
“A lot of persons who have not properly engaged should know that there is still time for engagement, because primaries will only be sometime next year around this time.
“None of our representatives have done so badly. We encourage them to do even better, so that their better can be the best for our electorates to give their consent.
“And once they do that, the party will stand by them, he stated.
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