By Kelvin Obambon
There is no other silver bullet that makes the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Cross River more attractive to members of opposition parties than the exceptional performance and purposeful leadership of the state governor.
This was the view of the Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Hon. Oden Ewa. He stated this on Saturday 19 April, 2025, when he and other leaders of the APC received hundreds of members of opposition parties that decamped to the APC in Ugep, Yakurr local government area.
According to the Commissioner, people will seek to belong to a Party where there is a clear sense of direction, purpose and visionary leadership which are essential for peace and stability. He said beyond the Party, Governor Bassey Otu has continue to set new benchmark for governance in the state as visibly demonstrated in the incredible achievements recorded just within two years in office.
Oden Ewa stated that those who defected to the APC are people that love the progress and development of Cross River State, hence their defection is a reflection of their support and endorsement of the Governor’s good works.
Read Also: Peter Obi meets Quadri Yusuf Alabu after his release from detention (photos)
“Welcome to a party that resonates with the sweetness of the season. Your decision to join the party is not farfetched. I know your decision to join the party is because you have seen the good works that the leader of this party, His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Otu has been doing. Two weeks ago we received an award on behalf of the Governor, as the Best Governor in Nigeria for his economic transformation.
“I want to say here today that there’s no politics without the economics of the people. And the governor has done so well. He’s the first amongst equals. Is it Edo, is it Imo? Everywhere he goes he delivers. And that is what APC, the party you just joined represents. We represent progress, we represent the people,” he said.
Some of the bigwigs that defected to the APC with their supporters were Obol Dr Thomas Ofem aka Bob T; Prince Nolly Abam Inah; Ojeje Marcus Okoi; Arikpo Ubongha Eyong; Archibong Okoi Obuli among others.
Dr Abubakar Efoli, Vice Chairman of APC Central, received the defectors on behalf of the state chairman, Barr. Alphonsus Eba.