By Asuquo Cletus
The Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Peter Odey, has vowed that the state would deliver three million votes to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.
Odey made the pledge at the 1.5 million mega endorsement rally held at the Ikom Township Stadium, where supporters gathered to endorse Governor Bassey Otu for a second term and Tinubu for re-election.
Addressing the crowd on Saturday, the deputy governor said the mobilisation drive had already begun, urging party faithful to intensify voter registration efforts across communities.
“We are going to give three million votes to our leader in 2027. The work starts now. Mobilise your people and ensure they get their voter cards because without it, they cannot vote,” he said.
Odey commended Tinubu for what he described as his intervention in the protracted oil well dispute involving Cross River, noting that the President ensured dialogue between the state and neighbouring Akwa Ibom State.
He also cited ongoing federal infrastructure projects, including the proposed coastal highway linking Calabar to Lagos and the planned Bakassi Deep Seaport, as evidence of the administration’s commitment to the state.
According to him, the Federal Government’s efforts, alongside the state government’s policies, would reposition Cross River economically and politically.
The deputy governor further disclosed that the state had released N10bn to offset gratuities owed to workers, assuring that additional funds would be provided before mid-year to clear outstanding liabilities.
In his remarks, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Emmanuel Ironbar, described the “Prince is Coming” movement as a structured political initiative rooted in grassroots mobilisation and inclusive governance.
He said the movement, which began in 2020, had grown into a formidable platform that contributed to the emergence of the current administration, adding that it remained committed to equity, justice and people-oriented leadership.
Ironbar highlighted key achievements of both the federal and state governments, including infrastructure development, agricultural reforms, expansion of healthcare services and economic revitalisation programmes.
He urged party members to remain united, avoid divisive rhetoric and focus on issue-based campaigns ahead of future elections.
Also speaking, the Executive Director of the South-South Development Commission and Coordinator of Renewed Hope in the state, Soni Abang, expressed confidence in Tinubu’s leadership, describing him as prepared to reposition Nigeria’s economy.
Abang said ongoing reforms would stabilise key sectors, including fuel pricing and food supply, while major infrastructure projects would drive long-term growth.
He added that the Cross River State Government had made significant strides in debt reduction, infrastructure renewal and investment promotion, noting that ongoing road projects and aviation improvements were already impacting residents.
The rally, which drew thousands of supporters from across the state, featured calls for unity within the ruling party, with leaders urging aspirants and stakeholders to resolve differences amicably ahead of the 2027 polls.