Political tensions are beginning to build in Cross River State ahead of the 2027 general elections, as a newly formed pressure group, the Cross River Rebirth Alliance, has declared its intention to mobilise voters against the re-election of Governor Bassey Otu.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by its coordinator, Elder Bassey Christopher Bassey, and secretary, Comrade Callistus Imong, the group expressed deep dissatisfaction with what it described as a steady decline in governance in the state over the past decade.
According to the Alliance, the situation in Cross River began to deteriorate during the administration of former governor Ben Ayade and has worsened under the current leadership.
“We have monitored developments in our state for close to 11 years and are constrained to take this decisive step to reclaim Cross River from those who have destroyed it,” the statement read.
The group contrasted the current situation with what it described as the “foundational progress” made under former governors Donald Duke and Liyel Imoke, noting that the state had once enjoyed national and international recognition as a tourism hub.
It accused the Ayade administration of prioritising “empty promises and so-called projects” over tangible development, alleging that the trend has continued under Otu.
The Alliance also criticised the governor’s leadership style, alleging misplaced priorities and a lack of transparency in governance. It raised concerns over the state of infrastructure, employment, healthcare, and environmental sanitation, claiming that living conditions for many residents have deteriorated.
The statement further alleged that the current administration has focused more on religious and ceremonial activities than on developmental projects, while accusing political elites of benefiting disproportionately from state resources.
“The last three years have been particularly traumatic for our people,” the group said. “While the masses struggle amid worsening economic conditions, a few individuals around the corridors of power continue to thrive.”
Drawing comparisons with neighbouring states, the group pointed to recent improvements in Aba, noting that what was once regarded as a struggling commercial city has witnessed environmental and economic revitalisation, in contrast to what it described as decline in Cross River.
The Alliance maintained that the 2027 elections would provide an opportunity for citizens to “chart a new course” and end what it termed a cycle of poor governance.
It announced plans to embark on statewide mobilisation across all 18 local government areas, aimed at sensitising voters and building momentum against the incumbent administration.
“We are committed to the rebirth of Cross River State,” the statement added. “The process of reclaiming our collective heritage has begun.”
Efforts to get official reaction from the state government were unsuccessful as of press time.
