PDP group asks Sandy Onoh to ‘rescue’ Cross River from APC

A coalition of support groups under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on Sandy Onoh, a former governorship candidate of the party, to reclaim Cross River state from the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The group, which includes the Presidential Support Group, Community Development Clusters, and Youth Fronts, made the call at a press conference in Abuja on Saturday.

Mike Ekanem, the group’s spokesperson, accused Bassey Otu, Cross River governor, of failing to deliver democratic dividends, citing economic stagnation, decaying infrastructure, and political intolerance.

Ekanem also condemned the disruption of a federal government-backed Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) project inauguration in Calabar.

He described the act as an “immature” move that highlights the APC’s alleged hostility to development efforts, adding that there is an urgent need by PDP leaders to rescue the state from the current administration.

“Cross River has become a shadow of itself under APC misrule,” Ekanem said.

“The people are groaning, infrastructure is decaying, federal interventions are being resisted for political reasons, and legislative representation is nothing short of a disaster.”

Ekanem also lamented the state’s poor performance in value added tax (VAT) remittances, noting that Cross River ranked 34th among 36 states in Q1 2025, generating only N2.86 billion.

Ekanem blamed the figure on the state government’s alleged failure to stimulate economic activities or attract investment.

He compared it with the achievements of previous PDP administrations which leveraged the Obudu Cattle Ranch and the Calabar carnival to boost tourism and the state’s economy.

Ekanem also accused the Otu-led administration of underperforming across key sectors, including healthcare, education, and job creation, adding that many communities in the state had been neglected.

He said that the support groups would mobilise against the APC ahead of the 2027 general election and challenge the party’s dominance at both the federal and state levels.

“Our mission is clear – to restore competence, responsibility, and people-centred leadership at all levels,” Ekanem said.

“We are not just targeting the governorship; every APC lawmaker from Cross River is on notice.”

He said the PDP support group urged Onoh to lead the PDP’s campaign for political recovery, describing him as a bold and capable leader who could unify stakeholders across the state.

Ekanem called on former governors, national assembly members, and youth leaders to set aside differences and join the “rescue mission”.

“We believe Senator Sandy Onoh has what it takes to galvanise stakeholders and lead the battle to reclaim Cross River for the people,” he said.

“This is not a personal ambition; it is a generational duty. This is a rescue mission. The time to act is now. Cross River deserves better.”