2027: Mixed Reactions Trail APC Campaign Rally In Cross River

The All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign rally in Cross River State has generated mixed reactions, with some Nigerians questioning the party’s popularity ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The rally, held at the U.J. Esuene Stadium in Calabar on Monday, November 2, was attended by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Governor Bassey Otu, APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda and other party leaders.

At the event, Shettima defended President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms, acknowledging the hardship associated with the policies but insisting that they were beginning to yield positive results.

Governor Otu, on his part, promised that Cross River would deliver maximum votes for Tinubu in 2027, citing federal projects, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the proposed Bakassi Deep Seaport.

However, the rally has attracted criticism on social media, particularly over the turnout and a video showing Shettima running towards the podium before displaying his familiar dance moves.

Reacting to the video, a chieftain of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Aisha Yesufu, wrote on X: “Peter Obi don give Nigerian politicians assignment.”

Another social media user, Shehu Gazali Sadiq, criticised the atmosphere at the rally, describing it as lacking excitement and enthusiasm.

He also questioned the crowd size and mocked Shettima’s appearance on stage, suggesting that the Vice-President was attempting to demonstrate that Tinubu was physically fit to govern.

A separate video from the rally also showed a woman expressing dissatisfaction with the President.

In the footage circulating online, the woman was heard saying, “Na lie, we don’t want Tinubu, e no good at all.”

However, the APC leadership maintained that the rally demonstrated the party’s support base in the state.

The party’s national chairman, Yilwatda, commended residents for their turnout and urged them to translate the enthusiasm into votes in the 2027 elections.

Former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Betta Edu, also expressed confidence that Cross River would support Tinubu’s re-election bid and Otu’s second-term ambition.

As political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 elections, the reactions have raised questions about residents’ expectations, the performance of the Tinubu administration and the issues likely to influence voting decisions in Cross River State.