By Kelvin Ololo, Sarah Ooja And Affiong Osam
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has promised to complete the Bakassi Deep Sea Port and the Coastal Highway, as well as establish the Secretariat of the Gulf of Guinea in Cross River State, if re-elected in 2027.
Tinubu made the commitments while addressing a mammoth crowd of All Progressives Congress (APC) supporters at the U. J. Esuene Stadium in Calabar during the party’s campaign rally.
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, the President said the completion of the projects would open Cross River to regional and international trade, boost economic activities and create employment opportunities for residents.
He also said a renewed electoral mandate for himself and Governor Bassey Otu would strengthen collaboration between the federal and state governments, enabling the completion of major infrastructure projects in the state.
According to him, the projects would reposition Cross River as a strategic economic hub and contribute to Nigeria’s overall economic development.
Addressing the supporters, Governor Otu urged Cross Riverians to vote for the APC in the 2027 elections, arguing that continued political alignment between the state and federal governments would facilitate the completion of ongoing projects.
He maintained that the state’s economy had witnessed significant changes since the APC assumed power in 2023.
“We will join hands to ensure that we support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to return in 2027. It is time to scale above, and we are going to give him maximum votes.
“Cross Riverians must vote for the APC to ensure a good working relationship that will enable us to execute all the projects. When we work as a team, you will see the difference,” Otu said.
Former Edo State Governor and Senator Adams Oshiomhole described Tinubu as a leader committed to expanding educational opportunities, citing the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which he said had benefited about 3,000 students from Cross River State in tertiary institutions.
Oshiomhole expressed optimism that Cross River would experience further development if Tinubu secured another term in office.
“The APC has come to stay in Cross River, and together we are moving Nigeria towards progress,” he said.
He also criticized opposition political figures, including Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, questioning their political positions and electoral promises.
The Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Owan Enoh, also highlighted the Tinubu administration’s interventions in Cross River, urging residents to support the President’s re-election bid.
The rally attracted supporters from the state’s 18 local government areas, with party faithful displaying banners, campaign materials and insignia in support of Tinubu and Governor Otu.
Motorcyclists, women’s groups and youths participated in the event, chanting slogans and singing in support of the APC leadership.
Among the dignitaries reportedly in attendance were Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, Senator Jarigbe Agom-Jarigbe, Senator Eteng Jonah Williams, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, Senator Ayim Pius, former Speaker of the House of Representatives Yakubu Dogara, Sen. Ben Ayade, Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly Elvert Ayambem, members of the state legislature and other party leaders.
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