APC Grants Automatic Ticket to Cross River Governor Bassey Otu for 2027 Elections
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Cross River has officially granted Governor Bassey Otu and his deputy, Mr. Peter Odey, automatic tickets for the upcoming 2027 General Election. The announcement was made during a press briefing at the APC Secretariat in Calabar on Monday.
Party Chairman Mr. Alphonsus Eba addressed party members and emphasized the importance of early preparations, encouraging aspiring candidates to engage with their constituencies for support. He clarified that, aside from the governor and the deputy governor, no other party members have been awarded automatic nominations.
Eba stated, “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.” He underlined that the decision aligns with the party’s principle of continuity, asserting, “Nobody changes a winning team. The governor and his deputy will fly the party’s flag in 2027.”
Even if Governor Otu expresses hesitance about running again, Eba declared that the party would nominate him as the only candidate, mirroring the approach taken in 2022. “We appeal to him to listen to the desires of party members and accept the nomination,” he urged.
In his remarks, Eba praised Deputy Governor Odey, who is currently serving as acting governor, for his unwavering support of President Bola Tinubu’s decisions in Rivers. He addressed some misunderstandings about the state’s stance, commending Odey’s efforts to clarify that South-South governors had not consulted him prior to opposing Tinubu’s actions.
Moreover, Eba appreciated President Tinubu for restoring peace in Rivers, highlighting the administration’s role in averting a political crisis. The APC’s strategic moves and early endorsements signal a focused approach as the state gears up for the 2027 elections.