Nine legislators from the Cross River State House of Assembly, representing constituencies in the Southern Senatorial District, have strongly cautioned politicians against contesting the governorship seat in 2027, affirming their unwavering support for Governor Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu’s re-election.
At a press conference held at the NUJ Press Centre in Calabar, the lawmakers issued a joint statement endorsing Otu for a second term, arguing that his leadership has been effective and should not be disrupted.
“No reasonable team will replace its best goal scorer before the end of the match when he is still in high performance,” the legislators stated, emphasizing that Otu remains the best candidate to lead the state beyond 2027.
Their declaration comes amid growing speculation that 40-year-old Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong Jr., a former Commissioner for Finance and current senator representing the district, may soon indicate his ambition for the governorship seat. The increasing political tension prompted His Eminence, the Obong of Calabar, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V, to intervene, assuring the public that there were no rifts between Ekpenyong and Otu, both of whom hail from Odukpani LGA.
The lawmakers, all members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), passed a vote of confidence in Otu, highlighting his achievements in economic revitalization, revenue generation, agriculture, infrastructure, youth development, security, and healthcare.
“We appeal to every other potential gubernatorial aspirant not to hope on us but to please decline such aspirations and join forces to support Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu for a second term,” the statement read.
The endorsement was signed by the Leader of the House and Chairman of the Caucus, Rt. Hon. Francis Asuquo (Odukpani), alongside Hon. Linus Bassey Etim (Akamkpa II), Hon. Okon Owuna (Akamkpa I), Hon. Bassey Effiong Bassey (Akpabuyo), Hon. Eyo Bassey (Bakassi), Hon. Francis Onete Ogban (Biase), Hon. Stanley Bassey Nsemo (Calabar Municipal), Hon. Effiong Ekarika (Calabar South I), and Hon. Victor Nsa (Calabar South II).
With this firm stance from the Southern Caucus, the political landscape in Cross River State is set for intense debates and strategic alignments as the 2027 elections approach.
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