The declaration came through strategic meetings led by Gilbert Agbor Esq., Special Adviser to Governor Bassey Otu on Asset Management and Recovery, during the 2026 Etomi New Yam Festival.
By Frank Ulom
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Published on September 17, 2026
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4 min read
Traditional leaders, women, youths and other stakeholders in Etomi in Etung Local Government Area of Cross River State have declared their total support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The declaration came through strategic meetings led by Gilbert Agbor Esq., Special Adviser to Governor Bassey Otu on Asset Management and Recovery, during the 2026 Etomi New Yam Festival.
The people unanimously backed the re-election of Governor Otu and his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, for a second term. They also endorsed the election of Oden Ewa for Senate, Blessing Egbara for Federal House of Representatives, and Dr Erim Agbor for State House of Assembly.
The Etomi traditional leaders lauded Governor Otu for bringing the season of sweetness to them, through their son, Gilbert Agbor, the progenitor of “Politics Without Bitterness,” stressing that, “This is the first time in over 30 years that we have felt the touch of true governance.”
The youths disclosed that the impact created by Barr. Agbor influenced their continuous support for the APC. According to them, giving Governor Otu their votes mean more government intervention in the community.
“You’re one of the leaders in Etung Local Government Area in this present dispensation who is easily accessible, most especially to the youths, and your impact on the youths of Etung and Cross River State at large has been widely felt.
“From across Etung communities, the story is the same. Our support for Prince Otu and the APC is 100 over 100,” John Tangbe, Chairman of the Defendable Force of Bendeghe Ekiem, a socio-political advocacy group, said while presenting an Award of Excellence to Barr. Gilbert Agbor in Etomi. In his words, Gilberts leadership style is inspiring, transparent and youth friendly.
APC Women leaders across the 10 political wards of Etung Led by Irene Awachor alongside their ward chairmen were all at Gilberts country home in Etomi to pledged their 100% support for Governor Otu and all other APC candidates.
Etomi Strikers, winners of the Etomi New Yam Football Tournament, also pledged their votes for Governor Otu and other APC candidates for 2027.
The Natural and Supreme Leader of Etomi, and former Commissioner for Water Resources, Ntufam Gabe Odu-Orji, said they won’t sleep until they deliver the APC, from top to bottom.
Odu-Orji, who was also a former Commissioner for Infrastructure, said the PDP, a supposed strong opposition in the state, is toothless, stressing that, “Nevertheless, we will not sleep until we deliver all the candidates in APC.”
Etomi APC Ward Chairman, Rodrick Itafu Abang, commended Governor Otu for appointing Barr. Agbor to his team, adding that his appointment has brought lasting peace to the area.
On his part, SA Asset Management and Recovery, Barr. Agbor, said: “The mobilisation for the forthcoming election is from top to bottom. We’re not negotiating with anybody. Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for President, His Excellency Prince Bassey Edet Otu for Governor, Oden Ewa for Senate, Blessing Egbara for Federal House of Representatives and Dr Erim Agbor for State House of Assembly.”
The new yam festival featured football tournament, cultural performances, empowerment initiatives, among others.
The festival was also attended by Hon. Effiom Bassey Effiong, Chairman of Akpabuyo LGA; Alfred Umoh,APC candidate for House of Assembly, Akpabuyo; Dr Gbenga Kajogbola, CMD of ASI Ukpo Hospitals, Calabar; Hon. Kingsley Ntui, Member representing Etung State Constituency; Emmanuel Olayi, State Youth Chairman; Dr Erim Agbor, APC candidate for Etung State Constituency; among others.
