Tinubu’s Re-Election Bid Gains Steam as Cross River APC N’Assembly Caucus Declares Support
The Cross River State caucus of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the National Assembly has announced its steadfast support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second-term bid, giving his re-election campaign an early and significant boost.
In a public declaration, the lawmakers from the oil-rich state commended Tinubu’s leadership style and cited his accomplishments in national security, economic transformation, and infrastructure development as key reasons for their support. They described the president as a “visionary leader” whose initiatives are gradually improving Nigeria.
Eteng Williams, the senator representing Cross River Central and chairman of the caucus, told reporters and supporters on Thursday in Calabar that the endorsement was a “collective and deliberate decision.” He urged the entire state to support Governor Bassey Otu and President Tinubu for a second term.
He said, “Our president has done so well, and for us in the National Assembly, we have seen it—especially with the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, which you and I shall benefit from.
“For that reason, we endorse him for a second term so that the road can be completed. Let us all vote for President Tinubu as our sole candidate for the 2027 elections.”
The endorsement signals a rising tide of intra-party momentum, joining a growing number of political leaders and organizations aligning behind Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Observers suggest that support from a major South-South alliance could influence regional political dynamics and bolster Tinubu’s appeal across party lines.
The Cross River APC caucus’s endorsement of President Tinubu’s re-election campaign carries both immediate and long-term implications for Nigerian politics. It reinforces Tinubu’s grip on the APC while boosting his influence within the party. Early backing from lawmakers, particularly from strategic zones like the South-South, suggests internal cohesion, potentially suppressing dissent and reducing the likelihood of major intra-party disputes before the 2027 elections.
Given that the South-South has traditionally been a stronghold of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Cross River’s support is both politically and symbolically significant. It indicates that the APC may be gaining traction in regions historically dominated by the PDP, potentially reshaping the electoral landscape.
While the 2027 election cycle is still in its early stages, this endorsement injects momentum into Tinubu’s campaign and sets the tone for broader national support. It may also pressure other APC zones and factions to declare their stance, potentially triggering a wave of endorsements aimed at aligning with the party’s central leadership.
For opposition parties like the PDP and Labour Party, the move could prompt a faster pace in candidate selection and strategic planning. Continued institutional and grassroots support for Tinubu may force these parties to consider forming coalitions earlier than anticipated.
However, critics may view this endorsement as premature or as a distraction from pressing governance issues, especially if economic or security challenges persist. Some Nigerians may question whether the political focus is shifting too quickly to 2027, rather than addressing the country’s current needs.
