A massive show of political strength and unity swept through Ikom on Saturday, April 18, as thousands of supporters converged at the Ikom Township Stadium for a mega endorsement rally in support of Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Bassey Edet Otu.
The event, tagged “1.5 Million Endorsement Man-Match for Jagaban & Sweet Prince,” and organized by the Prince Is Coming Movement, attracted a broad spectrum of political stakeholders, including members of the National and State Assemblies, the State Executive Council, party leaders, and grassroots mobilizers from across Cross River State.
Addressing the mammoth crowd, the Director General of the movement and Chief of Staff to the Governor, Chief Emmanuel Ironbar, described the “Prince is Coming” slogan as a purposeful political movement rooted in justice, resilience, and grassroots inclusion. He traced its evolution from a response to perceived political injustice to a formidable force that contributed to the emergence of Governor Otu in 2023.
Chief Ironbar highlighted the governor’s legacy of empowerment and reaffirmed the movement’s commitment to peaceful, issue-based politics, calling for intensified mobilization ahead of the 2027 elections.
He further urged supporters to consolidate their efforts by rallying widespread backing for President Tinubu and Governor Otu, emphasizing that sustained support, unity, and strategic grassroots engagement would be critical to securing resounding victories for both leaders in the next electoral cycle.
A major highlight of the rally was the formal endorsement of both leaders for second terms. Senator Eteng Jonah Williams moved the motion for the endorsement of President Tinubu, seconded by Hon. Bassey Akiba, drawing overwhelming approval from the crowd.
Similarly, Rt. Hon. Davis Ettah moved the motion endorsing Governor Otu and his deputy, Peter Odey, for a second term, with Hon. Omang Omang seconding the motion, further reinforcing party unity.
Speaking on behalf of the governor, Deputy Governor Odey thanked Cross Riverians for their support, noting improvements in security and workers’ welfare, including the release of ₦10 billion for gratuity payments, with more expected soon.
He also commended President Tinubu for supporting key state interests, including infrastructure projects the Bakassi Deep Seaport, and efforts toward reclaiming oil wells, while urging citizens to intensify voter registration ahead of the next elections.
In his remarks, Ambassador Soni Abang, Coordinator of Renewed Hope Ambassadors in the state, expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future under President Tinubu, describing him as a prepared and visionary leader committed to national transformation despite prevailing challenges.
The Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, described the rally as a testament to unity across political structures, announcing his donation of motorcycles to support grassroots mobilization in Ikom.
Also speaking, the State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Rt. Hon. Chris Etta, commended the organizers for their grassroots reach and charged supporters to take the party’s message to their communities.
The rally gained further momentum with the reception of defectors from opposition parties into the All Progressives Congress (APC), formally welcomed by the State Chairman, Rt. Hon. Chris Etta, who described the development as a sign of growing confidence in the party’s leadership.
Representatives from the three senatorial districts, Dr. Julius Okpotu (North), Chief Ernest Irek (Central), and Barr. Eyo Nsa Ekpo (South), collectively reaffirmed their commitment to delivering victory for both President Tinubu and Governor Otu in 2027.
Youth and student leaders, including NACRISS President Abini Okoi and NYCN Chairman Comrade Emmanuel Olayi, alongside representatives of persons with disabilities, also pledged strong support, citing visible strides in governance and inclusive development.
Kingsley Agim
