The political rivalry between the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River State has taken a new twist, as the APC has dismissed the PDP’s claim of returning to power in 2027, describing it as an “empty boast” and “political comedy.”
In a statement issued on Thursday by its Publicity Secretary, Emmanuel Inyang, the Cross River APC said the PDP had lost relevance in the state and lacked the political strength to challenge Governor Bassey Otu in the next general elections.
“Ordinarily, we would not waste time responding to their blithering, but we must remind Cross Riverians that even when the PDP was stronger, the APC defeated it convincingly at the polls,” Inyang stated.
“Today, the PDP is nothing but a shadow of itself, with its members trooping in droves to the APC. Their ambition in 2027 is dead on arrival.”
The APC described a recent PDP stakeholders’ meeting in Calabar, led by its state chairman, Venatius Ikem, as “hollow” and an attempt to create the false impression that the party still had hope of reclaiming power.
The PDP dominated Cross River politics from the advent of the Fourth Republic in 1999 until cracks began to appear within its ranks.
The defection of former Governor Ben Ayade to the APC in 2021 dealt a significant blow to the opposition, enabling the ruling party to consolidate power ahead of the 2023 elections.
The APC now insists that its consolidation under Governor Bassey Otu has further diminished the PDP’s chances of mounting any serious challenge in 2027.
“Governor Otu’s re-election is as certain as daybreak and nightfall,” the APC statement declared.
“No amount of wishful thinking or press conferences by PDP leaders can alter the political reality.
“Cross Riverians have chosen progress with the APC, and the ‘People First’ administration is delivering on its promises.”
The PDP, however, maintains that it is rebuilding and remains confident of staging a comeback.
At its recent meeting in Calabar, the party leadership vowed to mobilize grassroots support and “rescue Cross River from misrule.”
State Chairman Venatius Ikem was quoted as saying the PDP was “focused on reconnecting with the people” and that the APC’s claims of dominance were “mere bravado.”
With both parties trading barbs, political observers believe the coming months will determine whether the PDP can regroup effectively or whether the APC will tighten its grip on the state.
Although gale of defection continues to deplete the PDP in the state, the party however hopes that the general disenchantment in the country as a result of hardship could give it the needed victory.
The party has also accused Governor Otu of underwhelming performance in office, which it hopes will play critical roles in tilting victory in its favour in 2027.
However, the APC insists the opposition is living in denial.
“Cross Riverians know where they stand,” Inyang added.
“The PDP had its chance for 16 years, and it squandered it. The future belongs to the APC,” the party said.
