By Abasi Ita
Governor Bassey Otu has secured the governorship ticket of the All Progressives Congress for the 2027 election in Cross River State after polling 116,038 votes as the sole aspirant in the party’s primary election.
Announcing the results on Friday, chairman of the APC electoral panel for the Cross River primaries, Samuel Yarnap, expressed satisfaction over the peaceful conduct of the exercise across the state. He said the outcome reflected the acceptance and widespread support enjoyed by the party as a result of the governor’s performance in office.
“The exercise was conducted peacefully across the 18 local government areas and 196 wards of the state, and the outcome reflects the wishes of the people. Let us ensure that this massive support is demonstrated during the general elections,” Yarnap said.
He urged aspirants who lost in the primaries to put aside their grievances and work for the victory of the party in 2027.
“No individual ambition should supersede the overall interest of the party,” he added.
Reacting after the announcement, Otu thanked party members for their support, saying his administration had already laid the foundation for a stronger economy in the state.
He urged all victorious aspirants to remain humble in celebration and appealed to those who lost in the primaries to remain committed to the party and continue supporting efforts aimed at developing the state.
The governor also cautioned party members against defection, noting that he had experienced its consequences in the past and did not consider it a wise political decision.
“Let us stay focused and work together for Cross River. There is no victor and no vanquished. The results of the primaries reflect the wishes of the people. Our administration is anchored on the People First mantra,” Otu said.