A political support group, Grassroots Initiative for Otu/Odey 2027, has called on political parties, stakeholders and citizens in Cross River State to build a consensus around the re-election of Governor Bassey Edet Otu and his deputy, Peter Odey, in the 2027 general elections.
The group made the call on Thursday during the official launch of the initiative in Calabar, where it urged stakeholders to support the continuity of the current administration for a second term from 2027 to 2031.
Speaking at the event, the Founder and Director-General of the initiative, Awade Friday, said the call for consensus was based on what he described as the administration’s performance and commitment to development across the state.
According to him, the movement was formed after consultations with citizens across communities who, he said, were seeking stability in governance and continuity of development policies.
Friday said the initiative would mobilise citizens at the grassroots level, engage stakeholders and sensitise communities across the state to support the Otu/Odey ticket for another term in office.
He explained that the group’s advocacy was not rooted in partisanship but in what it described as measurable progress under the current administration.
Among the achievements cited by the group was the recovery of Tinapa Business and Resort Limited from the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria after about 14 years of control, a development the group said restored a major economic asset to the state.
The group also pointed to improvements in infrastructure, transport reforms, public lighting and other initiatives aimed at enhancing movement and safety within the Calabar metropolis.
Friday further commended the partnership between the governor and his deputy, describing it as one built on loyalty, cooperation and shared commitment to governance.
He urged political parties, civil society groups, traditional institutions, youth organisations and women groups to rally behind what he described as a consensus-driven approach to leadership in the state.
According to him, consensus politics would reduce divisive contests and enable the state to focus its resources and energy on development and governance.
The group also announced plans to carry out community engagements, town hall meetings and sensitisation campaigns across the state as part of efforts to mobilise support for the Otu/Odey ticket ahead of the 2027 elections.
Friday, however, called on citizens to prioritise unity and peaceful political engagement, stressing that the collective interest of the state should remain above political differences.
