…commends President Tinubu for giving C’River special attention

…we are expecting massive defections – Akiba

By Ike Uchechukwu, CALABAR

A pro-All Progressives Congress (APC) group, the Prince Is Coming Movement, has declared that opposition parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP), have lost relevance in Cross River State ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The group, led by the Chief of Staff to Governor Bassey Otu, Emmanuel Ironbar, made the assertion on Wednesday while addressing journalists and unveiling plans for a mega rally to endorse President Bola Tinubu and Governor Otu for second terms.

Ironbar said the movement, which started as a support base for the governor, has grown into a formidable statewide political force, driven by the “performance and people-oriented leadership” of the current administration.

He traced the origin of the group to resistance against “impunity and injustice” in the state’s political history, adding that members remained resolute until Otu emerged as governor.

“What started as a movement of faith and resilience has today become a dominant force. Cross River people have seen governance, and there is no reason to return to the past. The PDP and Labour Party no longer have relevance here,” Ironbar said.

He pointed out the administration’s achievements in infrastructure, youth empowerment and security, which he said have earned the trust of the people.

Ironbar also commended President Tinubu for giving “special attention” to Cross River State, citing federal interventions in road infrastructure and the proposed deep seaport project.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on General Duties and Secretary of the movement, Ekpenyong Akiba, said the rally, scheduled for April 18, would attract over 1.5 million supporters from across the state.

He disclosed that various committees had been constituted for mobilisation, security, logistics and welfare, adding that the event is self-funded by members and supporters.

Akiba said arrangements had been concluded to receive defectors from other parties.

“We are expecting massive defections because the reality on ground is clear. Cross River is aligned with progress, and that progress is represented by President Tinubu and Governor Otu,” he said.

The organisers described the rally as the “mother of all endorsements,” saying it would send a strong signal ahead of the 2027 polls.

They urged residents to turn out en masse to appreciate the leadership of both the federal and state governments.