Ukorebi Esien | August 29, 2026
OGOJA — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid has received a fresh political boost in Cross River State, with the Cross River State Political Network (CRISPON) pledging to mobilise 1.5 million votes for the President and endorsing the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates across the state.
The pledge was made in Ogoja during the take-off of CRISPON’s endorsement rally, where hundreds of supporters marched from Ajegunle Junction to the Ogoja Township Stadium in a show of solidarity for Tinubu, Governor Bassey Edet Otu, Deputy Governor Peter Odey and other APC candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Director-General of CRISPON, Prince Michael Nku Abuo, said the group’s decision to back the APC candidates was informed by what he described as the achievements of the Tinubu and Otu administrations, particularly in Northern Cross River.
Abuo, who declared the network’s commitment to deliver 1.5 million votes for Tinubu, urged supporters to intensify mobilisation across communities and wards ahead of the elections.
He particularly cited the establishment of the Government House in Ogoja as a major achievement of the Otu administration, saying the project would bring government closer to the people of Northern Cross River.
“For the first time in the history of Northern Cross River and Cross River State, Government House has been built in Ogoja to bring the government closer to the people,” he said.
The CRISPON leader also commended Otu for lifting the ban on employment and approving 5,000 jobs, describing the decision as evidence of the administration’s commitment to creating opportunities for Cross Riverians.
The network further expressed appreciation to the governor for retaining Odey as his running mate for the 2027 governorship election.
In a dramatic display of appreciation, Abuo knelt before Governor Otu, drawing cheers from the crowd.
The governor, who was represented at the rally by his deputy, Dr Peter Odey, declared his support for President Tinubu’s bid for a second term, saying Cross River would remain firmly behind the President.
Otu also took a veiled swipe at one of Tinubu’s political rivals, dismissing the prospect of the unnamed contender posing a distraction to the President’s re-election campaign.
“The other man, we will send him to Bangladesh because anytime he is talking, he will tell you how many square kilometres are in Bangladesh. So we won’t bother about that one; President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is who we will support for President,” Otu said.
The governor further announced a ₦30 million donation to CRISPON in recognition of the network’s mobilisation efforts and support for the APC.
The endorsement rally is expected to strengthen the APC’s mobilisation efforts in Cross River ahead of the 2027 elections, coming at a time when political parties and support groups are beginning to position their structures for the forthcoming electoral contest.
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