The All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship Primary Election Committee for Cross River State has declared Governor Bassey Otu as the party’s duly elected governorship candidate for the 2027 general election.
Governor Otu, who emerged as the sole aspirant in the APC governorship primary, secured 160,038 votes across political wards in the state’s 18 local government areas, a development seen as a strong indication of growing unity within the ruling party ahead of the 2027 polls.
Announcing the result on Friday after the collation of votes from all 18 LGAs, Chairman of the Governorship Primary Election Committee, Samuel Yanap, said the exercise was conducted peacefully, transparently and in accordance with the Electoral Act and APC guidelines.
Yanap commended party members for their orderly conduct and impressive turnout during the direct primary election, describing the exercise as a demonstration of the APC’s grassroots strength and cohesion in Cross River State.
He also praised Governor Otu’s performance in office, citing achievements in infrastructure, entrepreneurship development, pension reforms and gender inclusion.
“You can see he has performed tremendously,” Yanap said. “Women are adequately represented in his cabinet and among candidates that emerged from the process. He is a governor who is sensitive to affirmative action.”
He expressed confidence that a second term for Otu would usher in greater prosperity and stability for Cross River State.
Otu calls for unity after primaries
Speaking after the primary election and unveiling of candidates at the APC Secretariat in Calabar, Governor Otu called on party members to remain united and committed to the ideals of the APC.
Addressing party leaders, delegates, aspirants and supporters, the governor described the primaries as a reflection of democratic maturity and urged members to place the collective interest of the party above personal ambition.
“I did not come to govern North or South,” Otu said. “I came to lay a solid foundation for economic stability and sustainable development in Cross River State.”
The governor noted that despite prevailing economic and political challenges, his administration had recorded significant progress across key sectors and remained committed to people-oriented governance.
Reflecting on the primary process, Otu acknowledged the challenges associated with managing political ambition and commended aspirants who accepted the outcome of the exercise in good faith.
“The most difficult activity in politics is how to manage human ambition,” he stated. “I appreciate everyone who contested and still showed maturity and respect for the party. Leadership opportunities come at different times for different people.”
He appealed to aggrieved members not to allow disappointment create division within the party, insisting that the APC possesses adequate internal mechanisms to address grievances and resolve disputes amicably.
“There is no better platform than this party,” he said. “We will continue to dialogue, reconcile and move forward together.”
Warns against desperation in politics
Governor Otu also advised younger politicians against desperation and unhealthy rivalry, urging them to remain patient and committed to the principles of leadership and party loyalty.
“You do not come into politics to become a big man overnight,” he said. “Study the rudiments of politics, stay faithful to the struggle and your time will come.”
He stressed that political ambition should never supersede peace, unity and the long-term interest of the state.
The governor further reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to institutional reforms and sustainable development, saying governance must be built on enduring systems rather than personalities.
“We want to establish structures and policies that will stand the test of time,” he said. “If we fail to build enduring systems, then we have achieved nothing.”
Otu assured party members who did not emerge victorious in the primaries that opportunities for service would still arise in the future, emphasizing that politics is a continuous process.
“You have lost nothing,” he said. “Leadership is ultimately a trust from God and the people.”
Backs Tinubu ahead of 2027
On national issues, Governor Otu reaffirmed his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing him as a courageous reformer committed to rebuilding Nigeria’s economy and institutions.
While acknowledging the economic hardship facing Nigerians, the governor said the ongoing reforms were necessary for long-term national recovery.
“Nigeria was not built in a day, and no nation develops without sacrifice, organization and discipline,” he stated.
He also commended the military and security agencies for their efforts in maintaining national security and urged them to remain steadfast in their duties.
Congratulating all successful candidates that emerged from the APC primaries, Otu urged them to lead with humility, accountability and a genuine spirit of service.
“You were chosen not because you are better than others, but because the people and God have entrusted you with this responsibility,” he said.
The governor further charged party faithful to sustain the momentum ahead of the APC presidential primary, expressing confidence that Cross River State would deliver strong support for President Tinubu in the 2027 general election.
