Cross River APC Mocks PDP’s 2027 Ambition, Says Return to Power “Dead on Arrival

The Cross River State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) vow to reclaim power in the state during the 2027 general elections, describing it as “an empty boast and political comedy.”

The rivalry between the two parties in Cross River mirrors the wider national contest between Nigeria’s dominant political blocs. The PDP governed the state from 1999 until internal divisions and the defection of former Governor Ben Ayade to the APC in 2021 weakened its grip, paving the way for the APC to consolidate power in the 2023 elections.

In a statement issued on Thursday by its Publicity Secretary, Emmanuel Inyang, the APC said the PDP had lost relevance in the state and lacked the strength to challenge Governor Bassey Otu’s re-election bid.
“Ordinarily, we would not respond to their ranting, but Cross Riverians must remember that even when the PDP was stronger, we defeated them convincingly at the polls. Today, they are merely a shadow of their former selves, with members defecting in droves to the APC. Their 2027 ambition is dead on arrival,” the statement read.

The ruling party also mocked the PDP’s recent meeting in Calabar, led by state chairman Venatius Ikem, describing it as “hollow” and a failed attempt to create the illusion of political relevance.

Reassuring its supporters, the APC declared that Governor Otu’s re-election in 2027 was “as certain as daybreak and nightfall,” urging residents to remain committed to the “People First” administration.

According to the party, “no amount of wishful thinking or press briefings can alter the political reality—Cross Riverians have chosen progress with the APC.”