The Cross River State Political Network, CRISPON, has pledged to deliver bloc votes for President Bola Tinubu, Governor Bassey Otu and the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the 2027 general elections.
The group made the commitment on Friday during an endorsement rally for APC candidates in the Northern Senatorial District held in Ogoja Local Government Area of Cross River State.
Speaking at the event, CRISPON Director-General, Dr Michael Abuo, said the group’s decision was based on what it described as the achievements of the Tinubu and Otu administrations.
He urged members to return to their polling units, wards and local government areas to mobilise support ahead of the elections.
“As we go back to our respective polling units, as we go back to our respective wards, as we go back to our respective local governments, let us not allow any voter’s card, any voter slip to be returned. We must use all the ballot papers. We must deliver bloc votes across all polling units,” Abuo said.
He commended Governor Otu for ongoing infrastructure projects, particularly improvements along the Calabar-Ogoja road, but appealed for faster intervention on roads in Ukelle and Boki.
“I want to thank our Governor for the ongoing road projects. These are evidence why we should vote him. The more votes we give, the more negotiating power we have at the centre,” he said.
Abuo also outlined some of the demands the group wants addressed, including electricity challenges in Bekwarra, the establishment of a College of Medical Sciences in Yala and expansion of facilities at the University of Cross River State’s Okuku campus, the School of Nursing and the College of Health Technology.
“As a people, we need you to address electricity challenges. I know you will continue to complete the road in Ukelle. If it is possible, I will appeal for change of contractors handling some of our road projects because we are not impressed with the pace of work,” he said.
On youth empowerment, Abuo disclosed that the group had submitted 115 names for a state intervention programme, expressing optimism that beneficiaries would begin receiving support soon.
“By the end of September, most of you who are here, or all of you who are here, who are part of that programme, will begin to receive support,” he said.
He also praised the governor for lifting the ban on recruitment into the state civil service and called for additional employment opportunities for young people.
The group further appealed to the Federal Government to assist Cross River in reclaiming its oil wells, describing President Tinubu’s support for Governor Otu as important to the state’s development.
Governor Otu, represented at the event by his deputy, Peter Odey, urged residents to support President Tinubu’s bid for a second term.
Odey cited the President’s role in securing oil-producing status for Cross River and his support for the proposed Bakassi Deep Seaport.
“I want to commend you for the support and solidarity. I want to also appreciate our leader, President Bola Tinubu, for supporting Cross River oil-producing status. We know, 2027 will be glorious for us as a state,” he said.
The governor’s representative also highlighted ongoing reforms and development initiatives by the state and Federal Governments, describing them as bold measures that were beginning to produce results.
“The President is working to stabilise the economy. He is making bold efforts to expand development in the country. The Renewed Hope agenda will surely reposition Nigeria,” he said.
