From Musa Muhammad Kutama, Calabar
The All Progressives Congress (APC) is set to record an overwhelming victory in Cross River State in the 2027 general elections, with Governor Bassey Edet Otu and other APC candidates expected to enjoy massive support across the state, the Director-General of the Neighbour2Neighbour Network, Dr Bobby Ekpenyong, has predicted.
Ekpenyong said there was strong support for Governor Otu and the APC among residents across the state, following his extensive grassroots engagement with communities through the Neighbour2Neighbour Network.
“I have gone round every local government in the state. I have gone round with my team, known as Neighbour2Neighbour Network. We have interfaced with the people; we’ve heard what people are saying,” he said.
According to Ekpenyong, the feedback from the grassroots indicated strong support for Governor Otu’s bid for a second term in office.
“The people of Cross River State are overwhelmingly behind the Senator Bassey Edet Otu-led government of Cross River State.
They are very ready to vote for Governor Otu. They are very ready to vote for all APC candidates,” Ekpenyong said.
He said some residents had expressed the belief that only an extraordinary intervention could prevent Governor Otu from returning to office in 2027.
“We had statements like, ‘It’s only the second coming of Christ that will stop Governor Otu from becoming governor in 2027.’ That was the remark from the people. Clear statement,” he said.
Ekpenyong attributed the reported support to what he described as the administration’s performance in security, infrastructure, agriculture, investment and workers’ welfare.
He said Governor Otu had repositioned Cross River State and placed it on what he described as the path to greatness after years of neglect.
The Neighbour2Neighbour Network DG said the grassroots mobilisation undertaken by his organisation had strengthened his confidence that the APC was strongly positioned ahead of the 2027 elections.
“I have looked around. I don’t see where any other party will win. I have not seen any position any other party will win,” he declared.
Ekpenyong predicted victory for the APC across all elective positions in the state, including the governorship, Senate, House of Representatives and State House of Assembly elections.
“We will win. APC will take Cross River State. We will win in the presidential, Senate, House of Representatives, governorship and House of Assembly elections — five over five,” he said.