By Asuquo Cletus
A pro-All Progressives Congress group in Cross River State, the Prince Is Coming Movement, has declared that opposition parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party and the Labour Party, are no longer relevant in the state ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The group, led by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Emmanuel Ironbar, made the assertion on Wednesday while addressing journalists, as it unveiled plans for a mega rally to endorse President Bola Tinubu and Governor Bassey Otu for a second term in office.
Ironbar said the movement, which evolved from a support base for the governor, had grown into a statewide political force driven by what he described as the “performance and people-oriented leadership” of the current administration.
According to him, the group was born out of political struggles and resistance against what he termed “impunity and injustice” in the state’s political history, stressing that its members remained resolute until Otu emerged governor.
He said, “What started as a movement of faith and resilience has today become a dominant force. Cross River people have seen governance, and there is no reason to return to the past. The PDP and Labour Party no longer have relevance here.”
Ironbar added that the administration of Governor Otu had recorded significant strides in infrastructure, youth empowerment, and security, noting that such achievements had earned the trust and support of the people.
He also lauded President Tinubu for what he described as “special attention” to Cross River State, citing ongoing federal interventions, including road infrastructure and the proposed deep seaport project.
Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on General Duties and Secretary of the movement Ekpenyong Akiba said the planned rally, scheduled for April 18, would attract over 1.5 million supporters across the state.
He disclosed that various committees had been set up to ensure the success of the event, covering mobilisation, security, logistics, and welfare.
The group further claimed that it was self-funded by members and supporters, adding that arrangements had been concluded to receive defectors from other political parties.
“We are expecting massive defections because the reality on ground is clear. Cross River is aligned with progress, and that progress is represented by President Tinubu and Governor Otu,” he said.
The organisers described the rally as a “mother of all endorsements,” insisting that it would send a strong political signal ahead of the next election cycle.
They also urged residents of the state to participate in the event, describing it as an opportunity to appreciate the leadership of both the federal and state governments.
