By Kelvin Obambon
In a massive display of political solidarity, the Prince Is Coming Movement led by its Director General and Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Emmanuel Ironbar, has secured a unanimous endorsement for Governor Bassey Edet Otu for a second term in 2027.
Addressing a mammoth crowd of supporters at the Ikom Township Stadium on Saturday, Ironbar also reaffirmed the state’s unwavering support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, citing a “progressive and people-focused” governance trajectory at both the state and federal levels.
Reflecting on the origins of the “Prince Is Coming” slogan, the Chief of Staff to the Governor clarified that the movement, launched in 2020, was never a mere catchphrase but a strategic response to political injustice. He recalled the “unjust” obstruction of Governor Otu’s senatorial ambitions in 2015 and 2019, despite Otu’s record of grassroots empowerment.
READ ALSO: City Boy Movement Cross River Mobilizes for South South Youth Tour in Benin
“The movement emerged as a conscious and strategic effort rooted in the collective aspiration to address perceived political injustice,” Ironbar stated. He noted that the movement’s resilience paved the way for the 2023 victory, which he described as a mandate for “love, peace, advocacy, and fairness.”
While acknowledging the appointments and opportunities already provided to those at the forefront of the 2023 struggle, Ironbar addressed supporters who are still waiting for recognition.
“The Governor’s word is his bond,” he reassured the crowd. “Those who may feel left behind should remain steadfast. The season of reward and inclusion under His Excellency’s leadership will soon manifest. Do not lose hope.”
He highlighted a long list of achievements under the current administration, linking the synergy between the state and the presidency to tangible developments in Cross River.
Some of the achievements he mentioned include, “The construction of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway; Final approval for the Bakassi Deep Sea Port; The establishment of the South South Development Commission; The upgrade of the College of Education, Awi, and the College of Agriculture, Obubra, to university status; The revitalization of Obudu Ranch Resort and Tinapa,” among others.
He further noted the impact of social interventions, such as the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) and free healthcare for pregnant women and children under five.
As the political climate begins to warm up ahead of the 2026 primaries, the DG urged APC members to remain disciplined and avoid the “politics of slander and character assassination.”
“We advocate constructive engagement, factual dialogue, and issue-driven political discourse,” he said, before making a formal call for the Governor’s path to be cleared for the next election cycle.
“I call for the unanimous endorsement of Apostle Dr. Prince Bassey Edet Otu as the sole Governorship candidate for the February 6, 2027 election,” Ironbar declared.
