By Kelvin Obambon
A prominent grassroots political movement in Cross River, Fusion 196, has officially endorsed the State Governor, Prince Bassey Edet Otu, for a second term in office ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The movement announced its endorsement during its 4th Quarter Stakeholders’ Forum held in Calabar, on Friday, declaring a complete transition from advocacy to full-scale political and electoral mobilization across all 196 political wards in the state.
Speaking at the event, the Convener of Fusion 196 and Special Adviser to the Governor on Solid Minerals, Hon. Joseph Ekamsi-Agbor, declared that the group gathered to align strategies ahead of the forthcoming electoral cycle and to solidify support for Governor Otu’s socio-political vision.
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“We are gathered here because we believe and trust in His Excellency, the Governor of Cross River State, who is our father,” Agbor stated. “Before 2023, we went to the trenches for advocacy and grassroots sensitization, and by the grace of God, our efforts yielded success. Because in politics there is no end to engagement and advocacy, we are here to engage our people pre-elections.”
He urged members to protect their votes, register, and collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to guarantee a decisive electoral outcome for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). He added, “I want to urge us to open up all of the perspectives that will give us not just victory, but victory that is both massive and seamless.”
Addressing the forum, the Coordinator of the APPEALS Project in Cross River State, Dr. Arigor Arigor, highlighted the unique structure and reach of Fusion 196, noting that the group derives its name from covering all 196 electoral wards across the state.
“Fusion 196 is dynamic and strategic. It is not just a localized organization; its footprint extends state-wide and nationwide,” Arigo said, reassuring members that Governor Otu acknowledges their contributions. “His Excellency is mindful of what we are doing here. Let us see ourselves as partners in progress because there is hope.”
In her remarks, the State Woman Leader of APC and Fusion 196, Hon. Benita Usang, called on women to active participation, describing Fusion 196 as a proven launchpad for political relevance.
“I am a product of Fusion 196. This platform gave me the political relevance I have today through hard work, commitment, and sacrifice,” Usang said. “That narrative that women are not active in the wards must change. Wherever women gather, there is power. This is the time for clearing, planting, and seeding – your harvest season is settled.”
On his part, the Coordinator for Calabar Municipality, John Williams, commended members for their selfless efforts and commitment to the administration’s goals.
“Fusion 196 creates its own path when there is no way,” Williams noted. “Everyone here is working for one purpose. Three years is not enough to judge the government of the day, but with what is already being laid down, in the coming years, other states will follow Cross River’s lead.”
Giving an overview of the foundational journey of the movement, Bishop Chris Ben stated that Fusion 196 was built to foster a political culture rooted in equity and performance rather than sentiment.
“After extensive consultations across the 196 wards of the state, stakeholders unanimously identified Governor Otu as a leader whose track record of empowerment, accessibility, and loyalty stands out,” Ben declared.
Outlining the core pillars of their support, he added: “Our advocacy for Prince Otu is based on three pillars: capacity, character, and continuity. As we approach 2027, our mission enters a critical phase. This forum marks our transition from advocacy to full-scale electoral mobilization, to convert every supporter to a canvasser, every ward to a stronghold, and every polling unit to a victory point to deliver 5 over 5 for the APC.”
The meeting ended with a unanimous vote of confidence in Governor Otu’s youth-inclusive administration, as the group’s leadership charged all ward executives to immediately commence door-to-door canvassing across the state.
