By Asuquo Cletus
The Chief of Staff to the Cross River State Governor, Emmanuel Ironbar, has called on members of the All Progressives Congress to unite and support the re-election bid of Governor Bassey Edet Otu ahead of the 2027 general elections.
This forms part of ongoing efforts by APC leaders to consolidate support for Otu ahead of the party’s primaries and the 2027 general elections.
Ironbar made the call on Saturday during the “Prince Is Coming Again” 1.5 million endorsement rally held in Ikom Local Government Area of the state, where he urged party stakeholders to adopt Otu as the sole governorship candidate of the APC for the 2027 poll.
Addressing party faithful, the chief of staff emphasised the need for cohesion within the party, noting that unity and grassroots mobilisation would be critical to securing victory in the next electoral cycle.
“As we approach 2027, we must remain united, focused and committed to the collective goal of returning our governor for a second term,” he said.
Ironbar also appealed to party loyalists who are yet to benefit from political appointments or empowerment opportunities to remain patient, assuring them that the governor would reward their support in due course.
“The governor’s word is his bond. Those who feel left out should not lose hope. The season of inclusion will come,” he added.
Highlighting Otu’s political journey, Ironbar recalled the challenges he faced in 2015 and 2019, describing them as setbacks that strengthened the “Prince Is Coming” movement and expanded its grassroots appeal across the state.
He further cited what he described as key achievements of the current administration, including infrastructure development, healthcare initiatives, agricultural programmes and ongoing efforts to attract investment to the state.
The chief of staff also reaffirmed the support of the Cross River APC for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, expressing confidence in the continued collaboration between the federal and state governments to deliver development projects.
According to him, projects such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, agro-industrial initiatives, and urban renewal programmes are indicative of a people-focused governance agenda.
He urged party members to intensify door-to-door mobilisation and expand the party’s support base across communities, stressing that early preparation would be key to electoral success.
