The All Progressives Congress, APC, House of Representatives candidate for Akamkpa/Biase Federal Constituency, Onun Hon. Ngim Okpo, has thanked Governor Bassey Otu and members of the APC in Biase for giving him the opportunity to contest in the 2027 general elections, even as he hailed the federal government’s accreditation of Cross River as an oil producing state.

Okpo spoke during a stakeholders’ meeting and dialogue organised by the APC Biase LGA Chapter over the Mondaynews at the Basic Teachers Training Institute, Biase.

Describing his endorsement as “a call to service and a sacred trust” from the people, Okpo expressed gratitude to the governor for providing leadership that has fostered party unity.

“I sincerely thank His Excellency, Governor Bassey Otu, for his visionary leadership and for creating an enabling environment for party unity and growth in Cross River State,” he said.

“I also appreciate the good people of APC Biase for the confidence reposed in me. This opportunity will not be taken for granted. I will work to justify it.”

He pledged that his representation would focus on infrastructure development, youth empowerment, agriculture, and improved access to healthcare and education.

“Akamkpa and Biase have so much potential. My representation will be about bringing federal presence, attracting projects, and ensuring our people benefit directly from government policies,” he added.

The candidate also commended the ongoing reconciliation efforts in Biase APC, describing the meeting themed “One Party, One Family, Unity, Solidarity, Progress” as timely ahead of 2027.

“When we are united, victory is sure. I call on all aggrieved members to sheathe their swords and work together for the progress of our party and constituency,” he said.

Party leaders at the meeting applauded Okpo for his humility and commitment, urging members to rally behind him and other APC candidates for President Bola Tinubu and Governor Bassey Otu* in 2027.

The APC is targeting to win and retain all seats in Cross River State in the 2027 elections.

In another development, Hon. Okpo congratulated Governor Bassey Otu and the people of Cross River on the federal government’s recognition of the state as an oil producing state, describing it as “historic” and a major breakthrough for economic revival.

He said the accreditation has ended years of agitation and litigation over the state’s status following the ceding of oil wells previously disputed with Akwa Ibom.

“This is a new dawn for Cross River. For too long we have been shortchanged. Today, our people can look forward to benefitting from the 13% derivation fund and other oil-related opportunities,” he said.

Okpo commended Governor Otu for the diplomatic engagements and legal push* that led to the federal recognition, noting that the governor’s efforts have “restored hope to millions of Cross Riverians at home and in the diaspora.”

Lauding the governor’s “People First” mantra, he expressed confidence that funds from the 13% derivation would be judiciously used to develop oil and gas host communities and create jobs for youths.