2027: Governor Otu Faces APC Leadership Distrust, Weighs Possible NNPP Alliance with Kwankwaso

By David Odama

As political tension heightens ahead of the 2027 elections, Cross River State may be witnessing fresh realignments, with Governor Bassey Otu allegedly exploring consultations that could see him align with the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), led by former Kano State Governor, Alhaji Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

According to insiders, Governor Otu’s chances of securing a second-term ticket under the APC appear uncertain, as the party’s leadership is yet to guarantee him the mandate. This uncertainty, sources say, has fueled growing mistrust between the governor and the APC’s national hierarchy, with even the presidency reportedly expressing doubts about the ruling party’s future in Cross River.

It will be recalled that on Monday, Deputy Governor Rt. Hon. Peter Odey formally received Kwankwaso in Calabar. The NNPP leader’s visit drew top government officials, including Hon. Emmanuel Ironbar, Chief of Staff to the Governor, and Hon. Barr. Ukam Ijom Charles, Commissioner for Youth Development, alongside other stakeholders. The high-powered attendance has fueled speculations that the meeting went beyond a mere courtesy call.

Signals from Otu’s Camp
The presence of Governor Otu’s close aides at the reception has been widely interpreted as a strong indication that consultations are ongoing. Political insiders suggest the governor is keeping his options open, viewing the NNPP as both a bargaining tool and a possible lifeline should the APC deny him a ticket.

APC’s Cross River Dilemma
Governor Otu, whose “People’s First” agenda enjoys wide grassroots support, remains APC’s strongest political figure in Cross River. However, the mistrust between him and the party’s leadership has raised questions about his loyalty. Close associates hint that Otu may be considering alternatives to secure his second-term ambition.

Analysts warn that if Otu exits the APC, the party could lose cohesion in Cross River, as he remains its rallying point. On the other hand, his move to the NNPP would give the opposition party a major boost in the South-South, reshaping the 2027 political landscape.

Kwankwaso’s Strategic Outreach
Kwankwaso’s trip to Calabar is seen as part of a wider strategy to expand NNPP’s influence beyond the North. With Otu on board, the party would establish a presence in the Niger Delta, a region with considerable electoral weight.

“Kwankwaso is deliberately courting dissatisfied governors to build a nationwide platform,” one political analyst observed. “Otu’s distrust of the APC leadership makes him a natural fit for that plan.”

For now, Governor Otu has remained silent. However, the level of trust—or lack of it—between him and APC’s national leadership could ultimately determine Cross River’s political trajectory in 2027.

Official Reaction
Reacting to the speculations, Special Adviser to Governor Otu on Public Affairs, NSA Gill, dismissed the growing concerns as distractions engineered by political opportunists.

“To the best of my knowledge, Governor Bassey Otu has never contemplated defecting to another party or had issues with the APC leadership over 2027,” Gill said.

He further dismissed reports suggesting Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong had the backing of the APC national leadership against the governor.

“Will Senator Ekpenyong seek to unseat the governor just to serve one term, knowing that after Governor Otu’s eight years, power will naturally shift to the center? From what I know, Governor Otu is firmly focused on securing his second term under the APC platform,” the adviser stated.

Gill added that Senator Ekpenyong is, in fact, working on his return to the Senate in 2027 and not the governorship.