By: Ndidi Okafor
The member representing Ikom/Boki Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Victor Abang, has described the massive turnout at the recent mega endorsement rally in Ikom, Cross River State, as a clear demonstration of widespread support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Bassey Edet Otu ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The rally, held at the Ikom Township Stadium in Ikom Local Government Area, drew a large crowd of party faithful, stakeholders, and supporters from across the 18 local government areas of the state.
The event was organised by the Prince Is Coming Movement, led by the Chief of Staff to the governor, Hon. Emmanuel Ironbar, and featured prominent leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), government officials, and grassroots mobilisers.
Speaking during a media interaction, Abang said the scale of participation at the rally underscored the confidence of Cross River residents in the leadership of both the president and the governor.
According to him, the endorsement reflects growing approval of the federal government’s “Renewed Hope” agenda and the state government’s “People First” policy direction.
“The turnout was unprecedented and sends a strong message that the people of Cross River State are satisfied with the leadership of President Tinubu and Governor Otu,” Abang said. “It is a demonstration of trust in their policies and commitment to development at both the national and state levels.”
He noted that Governor Otu’s administration has recorded progress in infrastructure development, security, and governance reforms, while also commending the federal government for interventions in the state. Abang added that such efforts have contributed to the growing support base for both leaders.
The lawmaker further argued that continuity in leadership would help consolidate ongoing reforms and development initiatives, stressing that “it is only logical to sustain a team that is already delivering results.”
The rally also served as a platform for key political figures in the state to reaffirm party unity ahead of the 2027 polls.
The Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, who represented Governor Otu at the event, called for sustained collaboration among party members and urged supporters to remain committed to the APC’s vision.
Observers say the endorsement rally is part of early political mobilization efforts by stakeholders within the APC as alignments and strategies begin to take shape ahead of the next general elections.
While such endorsements are common in Nigeria’s political landscape, analysts note that voter sentiment and performance assessments closer to the election period will ultimately play a decisive role.
Abang commended the organisers for ensuring a peaceful and orderly event, describing the rally as a reflection of unity and shared political direction among party members in the state.
