By Joseph Abasi-Abasi, Calabàr
Businessmen in Cross River State have commended Governor Bassey Otu for the successful hosting of the All Progressives Congress presidential campaign rally in the state.
The businessmen, under the aegis of the Cross River Businessmen’s Forum, described the massive turnout and peaceful conduct of the rally as evidence of the governor’s growing political acceptance across the state.
Speaking with journalists on Monday at the U.J. Esuene Stadium, Calabar, the President of the forum, High Chief Henry Onwe, said Otu had made Cross River proud through what he described as the excellent organisation of the event.
Onwe said the large turnout of supporters and stakeholders demonstrated the level of support for the APC and the governor ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He said, “What has happened today is clearly a demonstration of the fact that Cross River is truly an APC state, and we stand solidly behind him.”
According to him, the decision of the APC to choose Cross River as the first destination for its presidential campaign in the South-South underscored the strategic importance of the state to the party.
He added that the rally had sent a strong political message about the strength of the APC in the state, expressing confidence that the party would record significant victories in the 2027 elections.
Onwe also said Cross River’s strategic position in the Federal Government’s infrastructure agenda, particularly the ongoing Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, would enhance connectivity, trade, tourism and economic activities in the state.
He urged residents and political stakeholders who had yet to join the Otu-led political movement to do so, saying the governor had demonstrated an open-door approach to accommodating people across political divides.
Onwe cited the recent defection of former Peoples Democratic Party chairman, Venatius Ikem, to the APC as evidence of Otu’s ability to attract politicians from across party lines.
He assured the governor of the continued support of businessmen in Cross River and those in the diaspora, expressing confidence in Otu’s bid for a second term in office.
