The All Progressives Congress (APC) chairman in Cross River State, Alphonsus Eba, has threatened to expel any member who comes out to run for the party primaries against Governor Bassey Otu, in the forthcoming election.
The party chieftain made the declaration during a grand “Thank You” rally and reception held at the U.J. Esuene Stadium in Calabar on Thursday, organised by members of the Southern Senatorial District.
The APC threw its weight behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the incumbent administration in Cross River, led by Governor Otu, declaring full support for their re-election bids in 2027.
Addressing party supporters, Eba said the performance of both leaders in the past year had earned them the party’s vote of confidence.
“Based on the performance of the President and our governor, we have passed a vote of confidence for their return in 2027,” Eba stated.
“Any APC member who comes out to run for the Cross River governorship position against Otu in 2027 will be expelled from the party.”
Also speaking at the event, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, who represents Cross River South in the National Assembly, said President Tinubu had proven his capability through bold reforms.
“We saw what he did in Lagos as governor from 1999 to 2007, especially in the area of security and reforms,” Ekpenyong said.
He credited Tinubu’s legacy in Lagos for helping turn the state into Africa’s second-largest economy, valued at over $259 billion.
Ekpenyong praised the president’s removal of fuel subsidies and exchange rate reforms, noting that these efforts were helping to restore credibility to Nigeria’s economy.
“We endorse you today for a second term because you came into office and stopped the corrupt fuel subsidy regime,” he said.
Governor Otu Hails Tinubu’s Support, Vows to Deliver 96% Votes
In his response, Governor Otu expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for supporting Cross River’s development initiatives, promising near-total support in the next election.
“We will give him 96 per cent of our votes come 2027,” Otu declared.
He said his administration, guided by the ‘People First’ mantra, had laid a strong economic foundation for the state in the last two years.
“Our economic indices have changed both in terms of addition to our GDP and productivity level. I know there are areas we have not touched, but in time, we will reach everybody,” the Cross Rivers Governor stated.
On security, Governor Otu said his government had dismantled over 16 criminal camps, with just one remaining.
“As we move through July, there will be no more camps in Cross River,” he assured.
He urged remaining hoodlums to accept the government’s amnesty offer while reaffirming his commitment to maintaining peace and security across the state.
He also disclosed that construction of the Bakassi Deep Seaport was ongoing, with President Tinubu pledging to dredge the Calabar Channel from the main port to the deep-sea port, a move expected to boost the state’s maritime economy.
Governor Otu thanked the three senatorial zones for their show of support, saying he remains committed to finishing strong.
“I will continue to work hard in the remaining two years of my administration,” he pledged.
The event drew party faithful and prominent personalities, including Senator Florence Ita-Giwa, Edem Duke (former Minister of Culture and Tourism), and several others.
The rally marked one of the clearest signs yet of APC’s strategic positioning in Cross River State ahead of the 2027 general elections.