By Asuquo Cletus
In a bold and resounding declaration of political fidelity, the All Progressives Congress (APC) chapter in Akamkpa Local Government Area of Cross River State has formally endorsed the re-election of Governor Sen. (Apostle) Prince Bassey Edet Otu and his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, for a second term in office come 2027.
The endorsement, predicated on what stakeholders described as a compelling record of transformative leadership, was pronounced at a high-level political convergence convened at Jorany Hotel, Calabar, on Wednesday. The convocation was presided over by the Akamkpa Local Government Chairman, Hon. Felix Akposi, and drew an impressive assembly of party chieftains, ward leaders, youth vanguards, women’s wings, and senior government functionaries.
In his keynote address, Hon. Akposi extolled the administration’s achievements, describing Governor Otu’s tenure as nothing short of “remarkable.” He cited significant strides in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and rural development as testaments to the governor’s visionary leadership.
“Governor Otu and Deputy Governor Odey have exemplified a leadership ethos that is grounded in the welfare of the people,” Akposi proclaimed. “They have breathed life into forgotten communities and galvanised progress in areas previously left in the throes of neglect.”
Particular accolades were accorded to the ongoing construction of the Oban–Nsan Road—a vital project that seeks to interlink the dual state constituencies of Akamkpa. According to Akposi, the road will dramatically enhance local commerce, truncate travel time, and stimulate inclusive economic resurgence across the region.
He further lauded the rejuvenation of the hitherto dormant Cross River Estates Limited, which he described as emblematic of Governor Otu’s commitment to economic revival, agricultural renaissance, and youth employment.
Echoing the Chairman’s remarks, the APC Chapter Chairman offered a glowing appraisal of the administration’s strides in peace-building, grassroots inclusion, and youth empowerment. He highlighted the elevation of the College of Education to the University of Education and Entrepreneurship as a watershed moment, underscoring the governor’s unwavering pursuit of educational innovation and capacity development.
“This endorsement transcends mere political protocol,” he declared. “It is a solemn mandate—a clarion call to sustain the tempo of development and deepen the dividends of democracy in Cross River State.”
The atmosphere reached a crescendo when the motion for endorsement was formally moved by Hon. (Ntufam) Okon Owuna, the Member representing Akamkpa I State Constituency, and seconded by Rt. Hon. Linus Bassey Etim of Akamkpa II. The motion was met with thunderous acclamation and was unanimously adopted by the entirety of the APC structure in Akamkpa.
Hon. Ankpo Pius also addressed the gathering, reiterating that although not all of the administration’s promises have reached fruition, over 75% of the commitments made to Akamkpa have been fulfilled—a commendable feat in the estimation of the party’s faithful.
The high-profile endorsement is being interpreted as a strategic consolidation of grassroots support, a political manoeuvre designed to set the tone ahead of the 2027 gubernatorial polls.
“As a party, we pledge our unalloyed loyalty and resolve to see this noble cause to its logical realisation,” Akposi concluded. “In Governor Otu and Deputy Governor Odey, we have found capable hands to steer our collective aspirations to a prosperous horizon.”
