2027: Gov Otu wins APC Guber Primary election in C’River 

From Ene Asuquo, Calabar

The Cross River State Governor, Prince Bassey Edet Otu was on Friday night declared elected Governorship candidate by the All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship Primary Election Committee for the 2027 general election.

Otu who  was the stand alone candidate of the  party for the primary emerged victorious with 160,038 votes from the 196  political wards across the 18 local government areas of state.

The chairman of the Governorship 

 Primary Election Committee, Samuel Yanap while announcing the results said the exercise was conducted peacefully, transparently and in line with the guidelines of the party and provisions of the Electoral Act.

He commended party members across the state for their orderly conduct and impressive turnout during the direct primary election, describing the process as a clear demonstration of the APC’s strength, unity, and grassroots acceptability in Cross River State.

The APC national officer highlighted the governor’s developmental strides across various sectors, including infrastructure, entrepreneurship, pension reforms, and gender inclusion.

“You can see he has performed tremendously. In his cabinet, the women are captured, and it’s in his representation. 

“Even the candidates that have emerged, you see the women are there. So he is a governor who is sensitive to affirmative action”.

In his remarks, Governor Bassey  Otu called for unity, reconciliation and sustained commitment to the ideals of the All Progressives Congress (APC) following the conclusion of the party’s primaries and unveiling of candidates at the APC Secretariat in Calabar.

Senator Otu, while thanking party faithful for their steadfast support, said his administration came into office with a clear mission to build enduring institutions and stabilize the state economically and politically.

 “I did not come to govern North or South. I came to lay a solid foundation for proper economic stability and independence on the sovereign power of the state”. 

He added that despite prevailing challenges, the administration has made significant progress in several sectors and remains committed to sustaining people-oriented governance.

Reflecting on the just-concluded primaries, the governor acknowledged that managing political ambition remains one of the most difficult aspects of democratic leadership. 

He commended all aspirants who participated in the contest, particularly those who accepted the outcome in good faith.

 “The most difficult activity in politics is how to manage human ambition,” he said. “I want to thank all those who fought to the limit and still showed maturity and respect for the party.

Leadership positions come at different times for different people, and every one of us has his time.”

He appeal to younger politicians and emerging leaders, Senator Otu cautioned against desperation and unhealthy political rivalry, urging them instead to patiently understudy the principles and discipline of leadership. 

“You do not come into politics to become a big man overnight,” he said. “Go and wait for your time. Study the rudiments of politics, remain faithful to the struggle and your opportunity will come.”

He warned against dragging supporters into needless political conflicts, stressing that ambition must never supersede the peace and future of the state

Senator Otu also used the occasion to reaffirm his administration’s commitment to inclusive governance and broad political accommodation within the APC family. “There is enough room to accommodate everybody in this party,” he said. 

“We are willing and ready to work with everyone.” He assured supporters who did not emerge victorious in the primaries that politics is a continuous process and that opportunities for service would still arise in the future.

 “You have lost nothing,” the Governor declared. “God’s time remains the best, and leadership is ultimately a trust from God and the people.” he said