By Kelvin Obambon
As the 2027 political cycle begins to take shape, the Grassroots Initiative for Otu/Odey 2027 has officially launched in Calabar, calling on all political parties and stakeholders to adopt a consensus approach in returning Governor Bassey Edet Otu and Deputy Governor Peter Odey for a second term.
Speaking on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at the NUJ Press Center, Calabar, the Founder and Director General of the initiative, Awade Friday, described the movement as a people-centered mission born out of a desire for stability, continuity, and “progressive leadership.”
Addressing journalists, Friday stressed that the advocacy for the “Otu/Odey” ticket transcends party lines. He argued that the administration’s impact has been felt by all citizens regardless of their political affiliations.
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“This is a call for consensus support from all political parties for the continuation of a working government,” Friday stated. “Our insistence on a continuous unified Otu/Odey ticket is grounded in proven performance and tested loyalty. Deputy Governor Peter Odey has consistently demonstrated himself as a loyal and dependable partner to his principal – a standard that should be studied by every young person in Nigerian politics.”
The Director General cited several milestones achieved by the administration as the rationale for the group’s support, including the successful reclamation of the Tinapa Business Resort from AMCON after 14 years; the “Zero Pothole” policy and improved public lighting in the Calabar metropolis; claims that Cross River has become the safest state in Nigeria, allowing citizens to “sleep with both eyes closed”; the provision of free seasonal transport services during December and the current Easter period, among others.
The DG noted that these achievements were recently validated nationally, with Governor Otu receiving the Silverbird Man of the Year and The Sun Governor of the Year awards.
The group also recognized key figures within the administration who have facilitated these successes, specifically praising the Chief of Staff, Hon. Chief Emmanuel Ironbar, and the Special Adviser on General Duties, Barrister Ekpenyong Akiba, who is the Convener of the Grassroots Initiative for Otu/Odey.
The group also announced plans for a series of community engagements, town hall dialogues, and sensitization campaigns across the three senatorial districts of the state.
Regarding the political climate in the state, Friday asserted that there is currently “nothing to oppose” in Cross River due to the administration’s performance. He urged youths and women, whom he described as the “true heroes of democracy”, to participate meaningfully in the democratic journey without resort to hatred or revenge.
He, however, paid a birthday tribute to the Governor’s wife, Bishop Eyoanwan Otu, whose social and educational empowerment initiatives were described as vital complements to the state’s governance.
“Unity in purpose brings strength; consensus in leadership brings progress,” the DG concluded, urging a culture of brotherhood as the state moves toward the 2027 elections.
