By: Vitalis Ugoh,Calabar
A socio-political group, led by High Chief (Dr) Emmanuel Ironbar “Prince Is Coming” Movement, has formally declared support for the second-term bids of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and governor Bassey Otu ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The endorsement which took place at the Ikom Township Stadium, saw supporters drawn from across the state’s three senatorial districts in attendance in their numbers.
Addressing the newsmen the leader of the group, High Chief Dr Emmanuel Ironbar who is the Chief of Staff to the governor, said the movement was conceived and launched in 2020 not to be a mere political catchphrase.
Rather, he said, it emerged as a conscious and strategic movement, rooted in the collective aspiration to address perceived political injustice against our amiable and astute leader, Apostle Sen Bassey Edet Bassey Otu.
During the period under review, he was unjustly denied the opportunity to return for a second tenure in the Senate by prevailing political power structures within the state at the time. Regrettably, a similar experience was repeated in 2019.
He said, “as we approach the 2027 electoral cycle, it is imperative that we renew our commitment to unity, mobilisation, and structured political engagement”.
Ironbar urged all members, stakeholders and supporters to intensify door-to-door advocacy, deepen grassroots mobilisation and strengthen our collective resolve to return our Sweet Prince to the government Government House, Calabar.
He reiterated that by 2023, the movement had grown significantly in strength, resolve and outreach. Through sustained advocacy, strategic mobilisation, and collective sacrifice, the movement deepened its message.
According to him, the 2023 political season marked a defining moment in our shared journey. Despite earlier setbacks in 2015 and 2019,, the Movement remained resolute and expanded its efforts across communities and Constituencies.
“By the grace of God and the will of the people, Apostle Dr. Prince Bassey Edet Otu was duly elected governor of Cross River state, he stated”.
He said, ” that it is important to acknowledge that several individuals who stood firmly at the forefront of this struggle were recognized through political appointments and empowerment opportunities”.
The Chief of Staff said “we also take pride in the fact that both Mr President and the state governor have demonstrated commitments to the development aspirations of our state”.
Therefore, I wish to acknowledge that governance is continuous. Under APC, Cross River state is part of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal highway, establishment special agro-industrial processing Zone (SAPZ).
Others are the final approval of Bakassi Deep Sea Port, establishment of (NELFUND), Renovation of Obudu Ranch Resort, construction of ikom General Hospital, upgrading of institutions and elevation of College of Agriculture, Obubra to a University of Agriculture.
According to him, “it is important to reiterate that the “Prince is Coming again” Movement operates on the principles of peaceful, issue-based politics”.
“We shun and reject slander, character assassination and misinformation but instead we advocate constructive engagement, factual dialogue and issue driven political discourse”, he added.
“As we build momentum towards the May 18, 2026 governorship primaries, I call for your unanimous endorsement for Apostle Dr. Prince Bassey Edet Otu as the sole governorship candidate for the February 6th 2027 general elections”, he pleaded.
