Gov Otu, Betta Edu, N’Assembly Members, Others Target 1.5m Votes for Tinubu in 2027
Heavyweight political leaders in Cross River State have resolved to mobilise no fewer than 1.5 million votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.
The decision came on Monday at a high-level stakeholders’ meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC), convened by Governor Bassey Otu.
The event took place at the Calabar International Convention Centre in Cross River State.
In attendance were the immediate past APC National Women Leader and former Honourable Minister, Dr Betta Edu.
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Also present were members of the National Assembly from the state, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, party executives, youth and women groups, and other critical stakeholders.
Addressing the gathering, Governor Otu appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to support the reclamation of Cross River’s oil wells.
He also urged the restoration of the state’s full littoral status.
The governor called on the Federal Government to rely on verified reservoir coordinates and existing technical reports to validate Cross River’s claim to oil-producing status.
Otu further requested the restoration and increase of federal appointments for indigenes of the state.
He said this would enable them to benefit more directly from the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The governor noted it would also strengthen grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections.Otu reaffirmed Cross River’s alignment with the President’s policies.
He cited ongoing federal collaborations that have boosted infrastructure development, including the Calabar-Lagos Coastal Highway.
The governor described the enlarged meeting as an opportunity to appreciate APC faithful for their unity and support.
He said it was also a chance to prepare the party to move into the field and secure victory in the forthcoming elections.
Otu specifically commended Hon. Betta Edu for her “steadfastness, comportment and loyalty” to the party, the state, and the nation.
“We are happy you are back at the forefront as usual and in the state,” he declared.
Speaking on the sidelines, Dr Betta Edu called for intensified grassroots mobilisation, inclusive engagement, and sustained voter education ahead of 2027.
She urged the people of Cross River State to keep faith with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Edu expressed confidence that the dividends of the Renewed Hope Agenda would be felt by all, including residents of the state.
She backed the governor’s call for presidential intervention to restore Cross River’s economic standing within the federation.
Edu also supported efforts to reclaim its littoral status and oil-producing status, following the discovery of over 100 oil wells in the state’s estuary.
According to her, the next election cycle will require serious, concerted and coordinated efforts across wards and local government areas to consolidate previous gains.
“We must not leave anyone behind or leave anything to chance, so as to prevent past unwanted occurrences,” she warned.“ My task is to ensure that we mobilise to deliver maximum votes to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and my governor, His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, come 2027,” she added.
Senators and members of the House of Representatives from the state pledged to strengthen mobilisation across their constituencies.
The three senators representing Cross River State spoke on behalf of their respective zones.
The stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to delivering what they described as a decisive electoral mandate in 2027.
They pledged support for President Tinubu and Governor Otu’s second-term bid.
