APC Declares Otu Winner of Cross River Guber Primary
The All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship Primary Election Committee for Cross River State has declared Senator Bassey Otu as the duly elected governorship candidate of the party for the 2027 general election. Otu, who was the sole candidate, secured 160,038 votes from all political wards across the 18 local government areas, signaling growing unity within the ruling party and setting the tone for early political activities in the state.
Announcing the results after collation on Friday, the Chairman of the Governorship Primary Election Committee, Samuel Yanap, said the exercise was conducted peacefully, transparently, and in line with party guidelines and the Electoral Act. He commended party members for their orderly conduct and impressive turnout, describing the process as a demonstration of the APC's strength, unity, and grassroots acceptability in Cross River State.
Yanap expressed satisfaction with the massive turnout and affirmation of Otu's candidacy across all local government areas. He highlighted the governor's developmental strides in infrastructure, entrepreneurship, pension reforms, and gender inclusion. "You can see he has performed tremendously. In his cabinet, women are captured, and it's in his representation. Even the candidates that have emerged, you see women are there. So he is a governor sensitive to affirmative action," Yanap added, reassuring Cross Riverians that a second term under Otu would bring freedom and prosperity.
Governor Otu Calls for Unity
In his remarks at the APC Secretariat in Calabar, Governor Otu called for unity, reconciliation, and sustained commitment to the party's ideals. He described the primaries as a demonstration of democratic maturity and urged members to place collective interest above personal ambition. "I did not come to govern North or South. I came to lay a solid foundation for proper economic stability and independence on the sovereign power of the state," the governor declared.
Despite prevailing challenges, Otu noted significant progress in several sectors and reaffirmed his commitment to people-oriented governance. Reflecting on the primaries, he acknowledged that managing political ambition is one of the most difficult aspects of democratic leadership. He commended all aspirants, especially those who accepted the outcome in good faith. "The most difficult activity in politics is how to manage human ambition. I want to thank all those who fought to the limit and still showed maturity and respect for the party. Leadership positions come at different times for different people, and every one of us has his time," he said.
The governor appealed to aggrieved members not to let disappointment turn into bitterness or division, insisting that the APC has internal mechanisms to resolve disputes. "There is no better platform than this party. If there are grievances, the party has the capacity to handle such matters. We will talk together, resolve issues together, and continue to move forward together," he stated.
Advice to Young Politicians
Senator Otu cautioned younger politicians against desperation and unhealthy rivalry, urging them to understudy leadership principles patiently. "You do not come into politics to become a big man overnight. Go and wait for your time. Study the rudiments of politics, remain faithful to the struggle, and your opportunity will come," he said. He warned against dragging supporters into needless conflicts, stressing that ambition must not supersede peace and the state's future.
On governance, Otu emphasized completing projects, strengthening institutions, and implementing enduring policies. "We want to complete laws, complete bills, and establish structures that will guide the future of our generation. If we fail to build enduring systems, then we have done nothing," he said. He reaffirmed his commitment to inclusive governance, stating, "There is enough room to accommodate everybody in this party. We are willing and ready to work with everyone."
Support for President Tinubu
On national issues, Otu called for continued support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whom he described as a courageous reformer committed to rebuilding Nigeria's economy and institutions. Acknowledging current economic difficulties, he maintained that ongoing reforms are necessary for long-term recovery. "Nigeria was not built in a day, and no nation develops without sacrifice, organization, and discipline," he stated.
He commended security agencies and the military for their efforts and urged them to remain steadfast. The governor congratulated all successful candidates from the primaries and charged them to approach leadership with humility, accountability, and a spirit of service. "You were chosen not because you are better than others, but because the people and God have given you this responsibility for now. If you do not account to man, you will account to God," he said.
He urged party members to remain united and replicate the momentum during the upcoming presidential primary to demonstrate the state's full support for President Tinubu ahead of the 2027 polls.
