Bassey Otu, Cross River governor
Bassey Otu, governor of Cross River state, says the growing defections to the All Progressives Congress (APC) are driven by President Bola Tinubu’s “sterling performance”.
Otu spoke in Asaba on Monday at a rally organised by the APC to welcome new defectors from Delta state to the party.
On April 23, Sheriff Oborevwori, governor of Delta; Ifeanyi Okowa, former governor of Delta and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) vice-presidential candidate in the 2023 elections; and other PDP leaders in Delta defected to the APC.
Otu said Oborevwori’s defection to the APC is not just a political move, but a “courageous response” to the rising aspirations for a better Delta.
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The governor said Cross River, once the only APC-led state in the south-south, now joins Delta and Edo, heralding a new era of political realignment ahead of the 2027 elections.
“An increasing number of South-South states under APC governance is a dream realized,” Nsa Gill, Otu’s aide, quoted the governor as saying.
“The mass defection led by Governor Oborevwori with former Governor Senator Ifeanyi Okowa and key PDP structures in Delta — is a historic moment, that sets the stage for deeper regional collaboration, accelerated economic development, and greater political stability.”
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Otu asked Oborevwori and other new APC members to leverage their political experience and grassroots mobilisation to support the region’s growth and the progress of the nation.
“Your Excellency’s decision to join the progressive train is a testament to your commitment to inclusive governance, sustainable development, and national unity,” he added.
On his part, Okowa said the decision to join the APC was driven by the need to “connect with Abuja”, where Delta state is a “large contributor”.
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