Cross River APC Grants Governor Otu Automatic Ticket for 2027 Elections

Party Declares Support for Incumbent Leadership

The Cross River State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially granted Governor Bassey Otu and his deputy, Peter Odey, an automatic ticket for the 2027 General Election. This decision was announced on Monday, March 31, 2025, by the APC State Chairman, Alphonsus Eba, during a press briefing.

Eba emphasized that apart from the governor and his deputy, no other party member had been given an automatic ticket. He encouraged other aspirants interested in political positions to begin consultations with their constituents and seek their support ahead of the elections.

Osun State Governor Warns Traditional Rulers Against Renewed Violence

APC Declares Governor Otu as Sole Candidate

Speaking after the party’s State Working Committee and State Executive Committee meeting, Eba reiterated the APC’s stance on the upcoming election, affirming the party’s confidence in Governor Otu’s leadership.

“The State Working Committee and the State Executive Committee of APC met today and resolved that Governor Otu will be the party’s sole candidate in 2027,” Eba stated.

He further added, “Nobody changes a winning team. The governor and his deputy will fly the party’s flag in 2027.”

Eba noted that even if Governor Otu decided against seeking re-election, the party would still maintain his candidacy. He recalled a similar scenario in 2022, when Otu initially hesitated to run, but the party insisted on presenting him as their sole candidate.

“We appeal to him to listen to the desires of party members and accept the nomination,” he stated.

Party Urges Aspirants to Seek Grassroots Support

While the APC leadership has endorsed Otu and his deputy, the chairman made it clear that other aspirants must return to their constituencies and build grassroots support.

He stressed that the party remains open and democratic, urging all aspirants to engage with their local communities and strengthen their political base before the 2027 elections.

“Our doors remain open, but we urge all those aspiring for positions to begin consultations with the people. The governor and his deputy have proven their competence and dedication to the party’s agenda, and that is why they have been granted an automatic ticket,” he said.

Deputy Governor Commended for Political Stability Efforts

In addition to reaffirming the governor’s candidacy, Eba praised the Deputy Governor, Peter Odey, for his unwavering support of President Bola Tinubu’s political decisions, particularly in Rivers State.

He acknowledged the acting governor’s role in ensuring that Cross River was not misrepresented amid recent political discussions in the South-South region.

Eba noted that some individuals had falsely portrayed the state’s stance on Tinubu’s intervention in Rivers, where a political crisis was looming. However, the acting governor clarified that South-South governors had not consulted him before opposing the President’s move.

He further commended Tinubu for restoring peace in Rivers and preventing a political standoff that could have destabilized the region.

Governor Otu’s Leadership and Achievements

Governor Bassey Otu has been widely recognized for his developmental strides since assuming office. Under his leadership, Cross River State has witnessed improvements in infrastructure, security, and economic policies.

His administration has focused on:

• Revamping the agricultural sector to boost food production and employment.
• Improving road networks and urban development to enhance commerce and mobility.
• Attracting investors to key industries, including tourism, manufacturing, and technology.
• Strengthening security frameworks to combat criminal activities and ensure peace in the state.

These achievements have earned him widespread support from both party members and the general public, reinforcing the APC’s decision to back him for re-election in 2027.

Political Landscape Ahead of 2027 Elections

With the APC’s decision to present Governor Otu and Deputy Governor Odey as their candidates, the political landscape in Cross River State is beginning to take shape ahead of the 2027 elections.

While the opposition parties are yet to declare their candidates, APC’s move to consolidate leadership signals a strategic approach to retain control of the state.

Observers believe that the party’s early declaration of an automatic ticket for Otu and his deputy is aimed at fostering unity within the APC and discouraging intra-party conflicts ahead of the elections.

By solidifying its leadership structure, the Cross River APC hopes to maintain a strong and united front, ensuring victory in 2027.

The APC’s decision to back Governor Bassey Otu and Deputy Governor Peter Odey for the 2027 elections reflects the party’s confidence in their leadership and governance approach.

While the opposition parties prepare to field their candidates, the APC is positioning itself to strengthen its hold on Cross River State.

As political activities gain momentum ahead of the next general elections, all eyes will be on Governor Otu’s response to the nomination, as well as the APC’s strategy to secure victory in 2027.