PDP aspirant vows to unseat Otu as Cross River gov

A Peoples Democratic Party governorship aspirant in Cross River State, Arthur Jarvis, has vowed to unseat Governor Bassey Otu in the 2027 general election.

Jarvis also unveiled a grassroots mobilisation platform, which he said was aimed at “rescuing” the state from underdevelopment.

Speaking at the Margaret Ekpo International Airport, Calabar, on Monday, while addressing party stakeholders and supporters, the aspirant described his ambition as the beginning of a political shift in the state.

“My emergence as the PDP flagbearer is the beginning of a decisive political shift because the current government has lost its mandate in the eyes of the people,” he said.

He alleged poor performance by the incumbent administration since it assumed office in May 2023.

“Look at the scorecard of your governor. The governor has empowered us, our people, and the party to declare his seat vacant, and we have so declared that as from today. From today, that seat stands vacant”, he added.

Jarvis said the grassroots movement would mobilise residents across the 18 local government areas for improved governance and accountability.

“The time has come to return power to the people. This movement is about rescuing Cross River from economic stagnation, infrastructural decay, and the neglect of our rural communities,” he stated.

He added that the initiative would spread across the state, from Bakassi to Obanliku.

Also speaking, the PDP State Chairman, Vena Ikem, said the party remained strong despite recent challenges.

Ikem urged aspirants to obtain nomination forms and called on supporters to remain loyal, stressing that “2027 will be decided by the grassroots.”