All the 196 councillors across the 18 local government areas of Cross River State have endorsed Governor Bassey Otu and his deputy, Rt Hon Peter Odey, for a second term in office.

The councillors who made the endorsement during the Cross River State Congress of the All Progressives Congress held in Calabar Tuesday night said the endorsement is sequel to the exceptional performance of the governor in his first term.

Moving the motion for the endorsement, the chairman of the state Councillors Forum and Leader of Akamkpa Council Legislative Assembly, Hon. Magdalene Ekpe, said that councillors across the state have enjoyed significant support under the present administration, adding that the governor had demonstrated a commitment to grassroots governance.

Ekpe further praised the governor for infrastructure development across the state, prompt payment of workers’ salaries and gratuities, and other entitlements, noting that the councillors were satisfied with the administration’s performance.

“This set of councillors has truly enjoyed being part of your government, and we are very pleased. Even the blind have seen, and the deaf have heard,” she added.

She then moved a motion on behalf of councillors across Cross River State to endorse the governor and his deputy for a second term in office.

The motion was seconded by the Leader of Obudu Legislative Council, Eneji Sam Ashibi, who expressed support for the continuation of the administration beyond 2027.

“We second this motion that our governor should go for a second term,” Ashibi said during the congress.

Following the motion, participants at the gathering adopted the endorsement by voice vote, with a majority affirming their support.

Governor Otu assumed office in May 2023 after winning the governorship election on the platform of the APC.

Since taking office, his administration has introduced several initiatives aimed at economic recovery, infrastructure development and strengthening governance structures across the state.

Party observers see the endorsement by the councillors as a show of grassroots support within the ruling party ahead of the 2027 general elections in the state.