Asuquo Cletus
As part of strategy to consolidate its political strength ahead of the 2027 elections, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Cross River State has officially endorsed the Northern Cross River Coalition popularly called NORTHCO as a recognized support group for Governor Bassey Edet Otu’s re-election bid.
The endorsement was announced during a press briefing with journalist at the party’s secretariat on Monday, during high-level meeting of the party’s State Working Committee and State Executive Committee.
Speaking to journalist, the State chairman of the APC Alphonsus Eba, reaffirmed the party’s confidence in Governor Otu’s administration, describing his tenure as a testament to the people’s mandate.
With nearly two years in office, the APC emphasized that the governor’s achievements warranted continuity, insisting that his leadership, alongside his Deputy Peter Odey remains the best choice for Cross River State.
He added that the APC has resolved to procure only one ticket for the governorship race in 2027, reiterating that the party fully supports Otu’s re-election, even if he were initially hesitant to run.
He said ” And this brings us to the serious issue of the Northern Coalition in Northern Cross River. The Northern Coalition, we know to the best of our knowledge, is formed to bring people of Northern Cross River together, and to work towards the re-election of His Excellency, Apostle Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu , and his deputy, RT Hon Peter Odey, is hereby given full support by this political party, which is the All Progressives Company. We, with a lot of people, have tried to put a twist, that it is not about APC, but we have also viewed it as purely an APC affair.
“In the light of that, organs of the party who have been added as members of the North’ coalition should by this moment be withdrawn immediately, starting from myself, who was included as an advisor. Because it’s a political organization, or a political support group, every other support group also has the freedom to form their own support group and be so recognized. So I cannot be sentimental or be biased in taking side with any support group.
“The party stands as a canopy for all support groups, and the Northco is one. We’ve also heard that there is a group coming up called Centrico, we also know against it. We also heard about the Southern Summit.
“Every such group that is formed for the purpose of strengthening the party is therefore fully authorized to walk, but they must be guided by the code of conduct of the party. ”
The party commended Governor Otu and Acting Governor Peter Odey for aligning Cross River State with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State. The chairman dismissed claims that the action was unconstitutional, asserting that the decision was necessary to maintain peace and prevent further crisis.
