OFFICIAL-REPORT:-GOVERNOR-BASSEY-OTU-REAFFIRMS-PARTY-SUPREMACY-AT-APC-STAKEHOLDERS-SUMMIT

OFFICIAL REPORT: GOVERNOR BASSEY OTU REAFFIRMS PARTY SUPREMACY AT APC STAKEHOLDERS SUMMIT

​Report By Dave Ikiedei Asei / Wisdom Tide News

Published: February 19, 2026

​EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OF THE PROCEEDINGS

​on the 16th of february 2026, the calabar international conference centre (cicc) served as the venue for a high-level consultative assembly of the all progressives congress (apc), cross river state chapter. convened by the executive governor, senator (prince) bassey edet otu, the summit functioned as a strategic forum to evaluate administrative progress, harmonize internal party structures, and establish the political trajectory for the upcoming season. the assembly witnessed an extensive turnout of party faithful, signaling a potent display of unity and systemic strength within the state’s ruling party.

​OPENING REMARKS AND PROTOCOL OBSERVANCE

​the proceedings commenced with a formal welcome from the state party chairman, who commended the governor’s steadfast adherence to the "people first" mandate. upon taking the podium, governor otu extended formal recognition to the sacrifices of the party’s founding members and the consistent efforts of ward-level executives. he characterized these grassroots leaders as the "engine room" critical to the sustenance of the state’s democratic advancement.

​APPRAISAL OF THE PEOPLE FIRST AGENDA

​a comprehensive segment of the governor’s address was dedicated to a performance audit of the dividends of democracy delivered since 2023. key milestones highlighted include:

• ​AGRICULTURAL REVOLUTION: the strategic expansion of oil palm and cocoa value chains, resulting in measurable increases in rural household incomes.
• ​INFRASTRUCTURAL RENEWAL: the successful execution of urban-rural linkage roads designed to de-congest the state capital and enhance accessibility within the northern senatorial district.
• ​CIVIL SERVICE REFORM: the institutionalization of timely salary disbursements and the systematic resolution of pension backlogs, thereby restoring the professional dignity of the state’s workforce.

​STRATEGIES FOR PARTY COHESION AND DISCIPLINE

​in addressing internal governance, governor otu asserted that the principle of party supremacy remains absolute. he issued a stern caution against factionalism, directing stakeholders to utilize formal internal mechanisms for grievance redress rather than engaging in public disputes. he reiterated that the administration’s record of service delivery constitutes the party’s primary campaign asset, requiring every member to serve as a credible ambassador of governmental achievements.

​COMMITMENT TO YOUTH AND WOMEN INCLUSION

​the governor formally announced the creation of new opportunities for youth and women within the party hierarchy. he stated that the 2026/2027 political roadmap would prioritize the integration of visionary young leaders. furthermore, he pledged expanded access to vocational training and entrepreneurial grants to ensure the economic empowerment of the party’s core mobilization demographics.

​CLOSING CHARGE AND FUTURE OUTLOOK

​in his final submission, governor otu mandated stakeholders to disseminate a message of continuity and optimism within their respective local government areas (lgas). he affirmed cross river state’s emerging status as a premier investment hub in south-south nigeria, positioning the apc as the sole vehicle capable of sustaining this growth. the summit concluded with a formal vote of confidence unanimously passed by stakeholders in recognition of the governor’s leadership.