From Musa Muhammad Kutama, Calabar
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Cross River State has called on all opposition parties in the state to shelve their differences and come out en masse to endorse President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Bassey Edet Otu for a second term in the 2027 general elections.
The Chief of Staff to the Cross River State Governor and Director-General of the “Prince Is Coming Movement,” Chief Emmanuel Ironbar, has taken the lead in mobilising massive support for the endorsement of President Tinubu and Governor Otu.
The movement declared that its foundation is rooted in years of political struggle and eventual triumph.
Speaking ahead of the planned April 18 mega rally in Ikom, Ironbar described the “Prince Is Coming Movement” as a product of “pain, sacrifice, and resilience,” tracing its origin to the political events of 2015 and 2019 when, according to him, Governor Otu faced systemic setbacks despite his popularity and performance.
He enumerated how loyalists, who perceived political injustice, mobilised across the state’s three senatorial districts, transforming an initial support base into a formidable grassroots movement that ensured Otu’s victory at the polls.
“That man you said had no resources, that man you said was finished, is today the governor,” Ironbar said, emphasising that the movement’s faith-driven resolve played a critical role in shaping the state’s current political landscape.
The movement also highlighted Governor Otu’s administration’s achievements.
The director-general pointed to what he described as unprecedented infrastructural expansion, noting that hundreds of kilometres of roads have been completed or are ongoing across all local government areas.
He added that improvements in security, youth empowerment, and public sector employment have repositioned the state.
According to him, the revival of legacy projects such as Tinapa, the Cultural Centre, Obudu Ranch, and the Calabar International Convention Centre reflects the governor’s commitment to restoring Cross River’s economic assets.
He added that investments in agriculture and education, including youth training programmes, are laying the foundation for sustainable growth.
Ironbar further stated that governance under Otu has ushered in a new political culture marked by peace and stability, noting that recent political activities in the state have been largely free of violence.
“For the first time in years, Cross River people can go about their businesses and return home safely. Governance is now people-oriented, and the results are visible'” he suggested.
The rally, scheduled for April 18 in Ikom, is aimed at endorsing both President Tinubu and Governor Otu for the 2027 general elections.
Describing the rally as “the mother of all endorsements,” he said it is being fully sponsored by members of the movement and supporters of the president and governor as a show of appreciation for their leadership.
He cited key federal interventions such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, social investment programmes, and the proposed deep seaport as evidence of President Tinubu’s commitment to Cross River State.
“Our endorsement is driven by performance and strategic alignment with the federal government. Cross River has never had it this good in terms of attention and development,” he said.
