Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, has reaffirmed that the growing wave of defections to the All Progressives Congress (APC) is propelled by the sterling performance of President Bola Tinubu, rather than political calculations.
Governor Otu made the assertion at a high-profile event where he, alongside Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, and the National Chairman of the APC, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, formally received Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, into the APC family.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Nsa Gill, he described the entrance of Oborevwori into the APC as not just a political move, but a thoughtful and courageous response to the growing aspirations for a better Delta State, a more prosperous Niger Delta, and a stronger Nigeria.
He emphasised that Cross River, which for years stood as the lone APC-governed state in the South-South, now proudly shares the progressive banner with Delta and Edo states, marking a new dawn of strengthened political realignment in the region.
“An increasing number of South-South states under APC governance is a dream realised,” Governor Otu remarked. He highlighted President Tinubu’s transformational leadership that has inspired trust, value reorientation, infrastructural rebirth, and economic rejuvenation across the nation.
Describing the mass defection led by Oborevwori, with former governor Ifeanyi Okowa and key PDP structures in Delta as a historic moment, he noted that it sets the stage for deeper regional collaboration, accelerated economic development, and greater political stability.
As Vice Chairman of the South-South Governors’ Forum, Otu urged Oborevwori, other political stalwarts and their supporters who have now joined the APC to bring their wealth of experience and grassroots mobilisation strength to bear in advancing the collective quest for a flourishing South-South and a renewed Nigeria.
“Your Excellency’s decision to board the progressive train is a profound testament to your commitment to inclusive governance, sustainable development, and national unity. I am confident that your leadership will further galvanise our collective resolve to deliver the dividends of democracy to our people and drive forward the Renewed Hope Agenda championed by President Bola Tinubu,” Otu declared.
He concluded with a warm and optimistic welcome, saying, “Welcome aboard, Your Excellency. Together, we shall chart a new course of greatness for our region and our nation.”