2027: Cross River group pledges bloc votes for Otu, Tinubu

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Ahead of the 2027 general election, the Cross River State Political Network has vowed to deliver bloc votes for Governor Bassey Otu, President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress in 2027, saying more votes for Tinubu would mean more power for Cross River at the centre.

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The pledge was made on Friday during an endorsement rally for APC candidates in the Northern Senatorial District held in Ogoja Local Government Area of Cross River State.

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Addressing supporters, the Director-General of CRISPON, Dr Michael Abuo, said the group’s decision was based on what it described as the achievements of the administrations of President Tinubu and Otu.

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He urged members to return to their polling units and wards to mobilise voters ahead of 2027.

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He said, “As we go back to our respective polling units, as we go back to our respective wards, as we go back to our respective local governments, let us not allow any voter’s card, any voter slip to be returned. We must use all the ballot papers. We must deliver bloc votes across all polling units.”

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While commending Governor Otu for ongoing road projects, particularly the improved Calabar-Ogoja road, Abuo appealed for faster intervention in Ukelle and Boki.

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“I want to thank our Governor for the ongoing road projects. These are evidence why we should vote him. The more votes we give, the more negotiating power we have at the centre,” Abuo said.

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He also listed other key demands tied to the 2027 support, including addressing electricity challenges in Bekwarra, establishing a College of Medical Sciences in Yala, and expanding facilities at the University of Cross River State, Okuku campus, School of Nursing and College of Health Technology.

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“As a people, we need you to address electricity challenges. I know you will continue to complete the road in Ukelle. If it is possible, I will appeal for change of contractors handling some of our road projects because we are not impressed with the pace of work,” he stated.

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On empowerment, Abuo said the group had submitted 115 names for a state intervention programme and expressed optimism that beneficiaries would begin receiving support soon.

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“By the end of September, most of you who are here, or all of you who are here, who are part of that programme, will begin to receive support,” he announced.

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He also commended the governor for lifting the ban on recruitment into the civil service and called for more job opportunities for young people.

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The group further called on the Federal Government to support Cross River in reclaiming its oil wells, describing President Bola Tinubu’s confidence in the governor as critical to the state’s development.

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Governor Bassey Otu, who was represented at the event by his deputy, Peter Odey, called for support for President Tinubu’s second-term bid, citing the President’s role in Cross River’s oil-producing status and the proposed Bakassi Deep Seaport.

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“I want to commend you for the support and solidarity. I want to also appreciate our leader, President Bola Tinubu, for supporting Cross River oil-producing status. We know, 2027 will be glorious for us as a state,” he said.

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The governor cited ongoing reforms and development initiatives at both state and federal levels, describing them as bold steps that were beginning to yield positive results across the country.

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“The President is working to stabilise the economy. He is making bold efforts to expand development in the country. The Renewed Hope agenda will surely reposition Nigeria,” he said.

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