The Peoples Democratic Party has declared the seat of Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, vacant ahead of the 2027 elections, citing what it described as his poor performance since assuming office on May 29, 2023.
The declaration was made on Monday by a PDP governorship aspirant, Arthur Jarvis Archibong, shortly after arriving at Margaret Ekpo International Airport, Calabar, where he was received by a large crowd of party faithful and supporters.
Archibong described the turnout as a “movement” aimed at rescuing the state from underdevelopment, insisting that the governor’s performance had fallen short of expectations.
“The governor has empowered us, our people, and the party to declare his seat vacant, and we have so declared that as from today,” he said.
He also extended an invitation to members of other political parties to join the PDP, stressing the need for a united front to reposition the state.
“Whether you are a member of the Labour Party, APC, or any other party, this is a movement to rescue Cross River State, and we must all put our hands together to do that,” he added.
In his remarks, the PDP State Chairman, Vena Ikem, said the party remained strong despite recent internal challenges.
Ikem expressed confidence in the party’s chances in the next election cycle, highlighting what he described as credible aspirants across the three senatorial districts, including Prof. Sandy Onor (Central), Archibong (South), and Prof. Zara Akpagu (North).
He also projected that Cross River State could produce the PDP’s presidential candidate in 2027, urging interested aspirants to obtain nomination forms as preparations gather momentum.
