Governor Otu’s financial turnaround fuels calls for a landslide re‑election

Background Okoi Obono‑Obla, a former presidential aide and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, spoke on the Arise News programme NewsNight about the prospects of Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu.

Financial Management Obono‑Obla pointed out that when Otu took office, the state faced significant debt and a history of delayed salary payments to workers. He praised the governor for addressing these problems without resorting to new borrowing, a move described as creditably well. The administration’s efforts have reportedly boosted the state’s internally generated revenue from roughly ₦21 billion in 2022 to almost ₦76 billion in 2026.

Political Landscape The former aide noted that opposition parties in Cross River have been weakened by internal disputes, which he said further supports Otu’s chances of a landslide victory. He argued that the governor’s record in managing finances and improving revenue streams makes his re‑election a foregone conclusion. Obono‑Obla also dismissed calls for opposition parties to unite behind a single presidential candidate against President Bola Tinubu, describing the idea as a form of comic relief.

Media Coverage Both ThisDay and Vanguard reported Obono‑Obla’s comments on 20 October 2026, noting his confidence in Otu’s performance and the political environment that favours the incumbent.

Conclusion According to Obono‑Obla, Governor Otu’s handling of the state’s financial challenges, the substantial rise in internally generated revenue, and the weakened opposition combine to make a second term highly likely. The former aide’s assessment underscores the importance of fiscal management in assessing electoral prospects in Cross River State.