Ukorebi Esien | April 22, 2026
CALABAR – A newly formed pressure group, Cross River Rebirth Alliance, has declared its intention to mobilise voters across the state to unseat Governor Bassey Otu in the 2027 general elections, accusing his administration of prioritising religious engagements over governance.
In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by its Coordinator, Elder Bassey Christopher Bassey, and Secretary, Comrade Callistus Imong, the group expressed dissatisfaction with what it described as the state’s steady decline, alleging that governance has taken a back seat to church-related activities promoted by the first family.
The group claimed that rather than focusing on critical sectors such as infrastructure, healthcare, tourism, and job creation, the current administration has devoted more attention to organising religious gatherings, including solemn assemblies, which it said have not translated into tangible development outcomes for residents.
According to the statement, “the most disappointing aspect of the current administration is the apparent shift of focus from governance to religious activities, leaving the people to grapple with worsening economic conditions and neglect of essential services.”
The Alliance further alleged that Cross River State has experienced economic hardship, rising unemployment, and deteriorating public infrastructure in the last three years, describing the situation as “a regime of hunger in the midst of plenty.”
It also criticised the administration of former governor Ben Ayade, blaming it for laying the foundation of what it termed the state’s decline, while contrasting the period with the administrations of Donald Duke and Liyel Imoke, which it said recorded notable progress in governance and development.
The group alleged that key sectors such as tourism and healthcare have been neglected, while many communities, particularly in rural areas, remain inaccessible due to poor road infrastructure.
It further accused those in government of lacking transparency in the management of public funds, claiming that the benefits of governance are concentrated among a few individuals close to power, while the majority of citizens continue to struggle.
The Cross River Rebirth Alliance said it would embark on aggressive grassroots mobilisation across the 18 local government areas of the state to sensitise residents and galvanise support against the governor’s re-election bid.
“The 2027 election presents an opportunity for the people to reclaim their state. We are committed to mobilising voters to ensure that this administration does not return to power,” the group stated.
As of the time of filing this report, the Cross River State Government had not issued an official response to the allegations.
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