In a show of cross-party solidarity, Rep. Peter Akpanke of the Obudu/Obanliku/Bekwarra Federal Constituency (formerly of the PDP) on Friday publicly commended the achievements of both Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State and President Bola Tinubu, endorsing their bids for second terms in office.
Speaking at a press conference convened by the Cross River APC caucus in the National Assembly, Akpanke praised the “sterling performances” of the two executives over the past two years, declaring his readiness to support “anything that will move the state and nation forward.” Having recently defected to the APC, the lawmaker lamented the persistent crisis within his former party, the PDP, as a key factor in his decision.
Senator Williams Eteng, chairman of the APC National Assembly caucus from Cross River, stressed that though the next general elections are still two years away, the early endorsement is intended to allow both the governor and the president to remain focused on governance rather than campaigning.
“Our governor has done well and deserves our accolades,” Eteng said. “Today we are not mixing words; we are going straight to the point. We start with Mr. President, who has also done well. He is like a father to us at the national level.”
Eteng highlighted President Tinubu’s flagship projects, including the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Road, the establishment of a student loan scheme, and sweeping reforms in the oil and gas sector. “For that reason alone, we endorse him for a second term so that the road will be completed,” he added. “If it is possible, we don’t think any other party should field a candidate for the poll.”
Turning to Governor Otu’s record, Eteng described the state chief executive’s two-year track record as “mind-blowing.” “He has not only completed several abandoned projects but has also initiated new ones that directly impact the people,” the senator noted. He cited visible transformations at Government House, the state library, and the Local Government Service Commission, as well as development projects rolling out across all 18 local government areas.
“If he can achieve this within just two years, only God knows what he will do before he completes his first tenure,” Eteng said. “From what we have seen, if they continue in the next six months, Cross River—and indeed Nigeria—will become a prime destination for investment.”