Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has attributed the recent wave of defections to the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the performance and leadership strategy of President Bola Tinubu, not mere political maneuvering.
Speaking at a high-level event where Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori officially joined the APC, Governor Otu—alongside Vice President Kashim Shettima and APC National Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje—hailed the move as a significant and strategic shift.
According to a statement from his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Nsa Gill, Governor Otu described Oborevwori’s defection as a courageous and well-considered decision, driven by a commitment to building a better Delta State, revitalising the Niger Delta, and contributing to a stronger Nigeria.
“For years, Cross River stood alone as the only APC-governed state in the South-South. Today, with Delta and Edo joining the progressive fold, we are witnessing a political realignment that reflects the growing appeal of APC’s governance model,” he said.
Governor Otu praised President Tinubu’s administration for inspiring trust, promoting national unity, and spearheading reforms in infrastructure and the economy. He said these accomplishments have sparked a renewed belief in the APC’s vision and attracted stakeholders from across the political spectrum.
Describing the defection, which also included former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and major PDP structures in Delta, as “historic,” Otu said it signals a new era of cooperation, development, and political stability in the South-South region.
As Vice Chairman of the South-South Governors’ Forum, Governor Otu urged the new entrants to leverage their experience and grassroots influence to help drive growth and prosperity throughout the region.
“Your decision to join the progressive train speaks volumes about your dedication to inclusive governance and national development,” Otu told Oborevwori. “Together, we can deliver the dividends of democracy and advance the Renewed Hope Agenda championed by President Tinubu.”
He concluded on an optimistic note, welcoming Oborevwori to the APC and expressing hope for a brighter future for both the South-South and the nation at large.