CALABAR – The Cross River State representative on the Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Rt. Hon. Orok Duke, has warned members and stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) against underestimating the opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections, urging them to begin intensive grassroots mobilisation to secure victory.
Duke gave the warning during a meeting with APC faithful in Calabar South, where he called for early campaigns, unity among party members and sustained voter engagement to ensure the party wins all elective positions in the state.
He said party members should not be complacent because the APC currently controls the state government, stressing that electoral victory would depend on hard work and effective grassroots mobilisation.
“In case you don’t know, we are already in the electioneering season. If we want all our candidates to win, then the work starts now. Every APC member in Calabar South must see themselves as a campaigner,” Duke said.
He cautioned party leaders and supporters against taking the opposition for granted, warning that complacency could result in an unexpected electoral setback.
“We cannot sit down and say we are in power and that it will be an easy ride to victory. Underrate the opposition and get ready for a shocker,” he stated.
The APC chieftain urged members to intensify door-to-door campaigns, community outreach and voter education across Calabar South, describing the local government area as a strategic political bloc capable of determining the party’s overall performance in Cross River State.
According to him, internal disagreements within the party should be set aside in the collective interest of achieving victory in the 2027 elections.
“The strength of the APC lies in our unity at the grassroots. We must canvass for the party and for every candidate on our platform, from the Presidency down to the House of Assembly. No one should be left behind. Our target is five over five,” he said.
Duke also encouraged youths and women to play more active roles in the party’s grassroots structures, noting that their participation would enhance voter mobilisation and consolidate the APC’s support base ahead of the polls.
He maintained that broad-based participation by all segments of the party would be critical to achieving the APC’s electoral objectives in Cross River State.
The meeting formed part of ongoing consultations with party members in Calabar South ahead of preparations for the 2027 general elections.
