| Senator Bassey Otu |
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Cross River has reiterated the commitment of its leadership, including Governor Ben Ayade to see Sen. Bassey Otu emerge as its consensus gubernatorial candidate at the primary on Thursday.
Otu emerged as the preferred and anointed candidate at a meeting of all 17 governorship aspirants in Abuja on May 10.
However, two of the aspirants, Chief Chris Agara and Senator John Owan-Enoh, declined consent to the consensus arrangement.
Owan-Enoh declared support for Sen. Otu last week, leaving only Agara as the only aspirant who may contest the primary against Otu.
A statement by APC Publicity Secretary, Erasmus Ekpang on Tuesday, reads: “Sen. Otu’s emergence has undoubtedly sent shivers to the camp of the opposition and has shattered their permutations.
“The party further dispels all the rumors about his purported disqualification or non-clearance by the Governorship Screening Committee set up by the party.
“Having reached a consensus on Sen. Prince Bassey Otu, the party will continue to stand firm on that position, which aligns with the Governor’s declaration on back to South which we consider fair, just and equitable.”