Cross River Diaspora in Abuja Endorses Tinubu, Otu, and Jarigbe for 2027 Elections
In a significant political development, residents of Cross River State residing in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, have publicly declared their support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu, and Senator Agom Jarigbe, who represents Cross River North, ahead of the 2027 general elections. The endorsement was announced during a rally organized by supporters, primarily from the Cross River North Senatorial District, on Saturday, March 14, 2026, in Abuja.
Group Explains Reason for Endorsement
Speaking to journalists at the event, Dr. Don Clem Enamhe, the coordinator of Team Cross River, stated that the rally was organized to appreciate the efforts of the President and other leaders for projects and policies benefiting Cross River State. "I am the convener of Team Cross River. Today's rally is to appreciate the good work of Mr. President. He has been able to turn around many things in Cross River State," he said. Enamhe highlighted ongoing federal initiatives, including the coastal highway project and federal appointments involving the state, adding, "If you look at the coastal highway project, it is unimaginable. At the beginning of the administration, Cross River was also given two ministers. While we are saying thank you, we also wish to ask for more."
Supporters Commend Governor's Development Efforts
The coordinator also praised Governor Otu's leadership style, describing his administration as people-focused and accessible. "Since he took over, Senator Prince Bassey Otu has shown so much love for the people. He has made governance more accessible. For instance, he comes to the northern part of the state and even spends nights there," Enamhe noted. He pointed to various projects across the state, such as road construction, bridge rehabilitation, and development efforts linked to the Obudu Ranch and airport infrastructure.
Senator Praised for Constituency Projects
Enamhe further commended Senator Jarigbe for his impactful representation in the National Assembly, citing projects and educational support initiatives across the district. "Ever since he became Senator, he has rewritten the story of senatorial representation in Cross River North. We never knew that senators could work the way he is working," he said. According to him, the senator has implemented projects across the district's 54 wards, including roads, classroom construction, and scholarship programmes, with many beneficiaries studying abroad.
Supporters Plan Larger Mobilisation
Another APC leader from Yala Local Government Area, Gabriel Bravo, explained that the rally was organized by Cross River North residents in Abuja who remain registered voters in their home constituencies. He emphasized that this gathering was only the first phase of a broader mobilisation aimed at building support for the 2027 elections. "We intend to deliver the highest number of votes for the President, our governor and our distinguished senator in the next election," Bravo stated. He added that about 98 percent of attendees are registered voters in Cross River State and often return home to vote during elections. Bravo revealed plans for a larger demonstration, saying, "Our target is to organise a one-million-man march in Abuja. This rally is just a prelude to a bigger mobilisation."
Call for Continued Support
Francisca Ogar, a women leader at the event, urged the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to support Senator Jarigbe in future political contests. "In politics, 24 hours is a long time, but if the party wants to win in 2027, it needs a candidate with massive support," she said. She described the senator as a grassroots politician with broad acceptance across Cross River State, asserting, "When you talk about credibility in Cross River State today, I stand to be corrected, there is no senator in the National Assembly as widely accepted as Jarigbe." The rally concluded with supporters expressing confidence that their mobilisation would translate into strong electoral support for the three leaders in the upcoming elections.
