By Edibi Okem
The political landscape of Cross River State witnessed a remarkable gathering of national political heavyweights on Monday, 2nd November 2026, as the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nigeria’s ruling political party, converged on the U.J. Esuene International Sports Stadium, Calabar, for its presidential campaign rally ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The rally, which attracted an impressive assemblage of the APC’s crème de la crème from across the country, was organised to mobilise support for the re-election of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and his Vice President, His Excellency, Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON; the second-term bid of His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, Governor of Cross River State, and his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, alongside all APC candidates contesting elective positions in the 2027 general elections.
SENATOR VICTOR NDOMA-EGBA: A DISTINGUISHED STATESMAN AND STRATEGIC MOBILISER
Among the distinguished personalities whose presence added considerable political significance to the occasion was Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, OFR, CON, SAN, former Leader of the 7th Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, former Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), and currently the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE).
A distinguished statesman with an established record of national legislative leadership and public service, Senator Ndoma-Egba demonstrated his enduring commitment to the political fortunes and organisational strength of the APC through his strategic mobilisation of party faithful, supporters and stakeholders from across Cross River Central and Northern Senatorial Districts.
His mobilisation efforts brought together a considerable number of participants from the two senatorial districts, ensuring their active participation in the historic political gathering. Beyond mobilising the participants to Calabar, he also coordinated their subsequent demobilisation and return after the event.
This intervention underscored his continuing relevance in the political affairs of Cross River State and his commitment to strengthening the party’s grassroots structures and national political engagements.
His presence was a further reflection of the importance of experienced leadership, strategic political coordination and sustained stakeholder engagement in the build-up to the 2027 general elections.
VICE PRESIDENT SHETTIMA’S TOWERING PRESENCE AND YOUTHFUL VIBRANCY
One of the most remarkable highlights of the occasion was the towering presence of His Excellency, Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON, who represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the rally.
The Vice President’s appearance added considerable colour and excitement to the occasion. His energetic disposition, youthful display and animated engagement with the enthusiastic crowd brought an additional dimension to the political gathering.
Representing the President, he conveyed the administration’s message and solicited the support of Cross Riverians for the continued leadership of the Tinubu-Shettima administration.
His address also highlighted the Federal Government’s development commitments to Cross River State, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the proposed Bakassi Deep Seaport and other strategic infrastructure initiatives.
A DISTINGUISHED ASSEMBLAGE OF NATIONAL AND REGIONAL LEADERS
The rally was further distinguished by the presence of an impressive array of political leaders and eminent personalities from across the country.
Among those present were governors from the South-South region and other parts of the country, the National Chairman of the APC and members of the National Working Committee, members of the party’s National Executive Council, the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and other distinguished members of the National Assembly.
Also prominent among the dignitaries was Senator Adams Oshiomhole, former National Chairman of the APC and former Governor of Edo State, whose presence further underscored the national character of the gathering.
The convergence of these political heavyweights at the Calabar rally demonstrated the importance attached to Cross River State in the APC’s political mobilisation and engagement ahead of the forthcoming general elections.
GOVERNOR BASSEY OTU: A COMMENDABLE HOST
Special recognition must also be accorded to the host Governor, His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, for the organisation and coordination of the event.
The rally provided a platform for Cross River State to host an impressive gathering of national political leaders, party stakeholders and supporters. The organisation of the occasion and the arrangements surrounding the gathering reflected the host administration’s responsibility in facilitating a major national political engagement.
Governor Otu’s role as host was an important feature of the occasion, particularly in bringing together the national party leadership and the APC family in Cross River State.
TOWARDS THE 2027 GENERAL ELECTIONS
As the APC advances its political engagements towards the 2027 general elections, the Calabar rally represents an important moment in its nationwide mobilisation efforts.
The gathering reinforced the party’s call for renewed mandates for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Federal level, as well as Governor Bassey Edet Otu and Deputy Governor Peter Odey in Cross River State.
For Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, the mobilisation of supporters from Cross River Central and Northern Senatorial Districts represented a significant contribution to the party’s organisational efforts and political engagement in the state.
The event concluded with renewed calls for party unity, sustained grassroots mobilisation and active democratic participation, as the APC expressed confidence and optimism about its prospects in the forthcoming 2027 general elections.
The Calabar rally will remain a notable chapter in the APC’s political engagement in Cross River State, particularly for the distinguished participation of Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba and his strategic mobilisation contribution to the success of the gathering.
Edibi Okem writes from Calabar
