As preparations for the 2027 general elections begin to shape political activities across the country, a coalition of civil society groups has raised concerns over what it described as the growing distraction of some commissioners in Cross River State by personal political ambitions.
The group, operating under the banner of the Coalition of Civic Societies on Accountability and Good Governance, said it had observed that several members of the state executive council who are believed to be positioning themselves for elective offices were no longer giving full attention to their statutory responsibilities. According to the coalition, the situation has led to the diversion of official time and public resources, a trend it described as unhealthy for effective governance.
In a statement and subsequent briefing in Calabar, the coalition demanded the immediate resignation of commissioners and other top government appointees in the administration of Governor Bassey Otu who are reportedly preparing to contest political offices ahead of the 2027 elections. The group warned that combining governance with early political manoeuvring could undermine service delivery and weaken public confidence in the administration.
The coalition expressed concern that the political activities of some commissioners were already causing unease within political circles, with debates emerging over whether such ambitions enjoy the governor’s backing or are self-driven efforts aimed at currying favour with key party stakeholders.
Investigations revealed that more than 14 commissioners, alongside some directors general of agencies and boards in the Otu administration, are allegedly warming up for various political offices across the three senatorial districts of Cross River State. These officials are said to be intensifying consultations while presenting themselves as candidates in waiting, with claims of endorsement from influential figures within Government House.
The coalition further alleged that some of the appointees have shifted focus from official duties as they jostle for advantage ahead of party primaries. During the recent Yuletide season, several aides of the governor were reportedly seen moving around communities within their targeted constituencies, distributing cash and food items to party leaders and stakeholders.
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According to the group, items shared during these visits included bags of rice, cartons of noodles, cooking oil, tomatoes, seasoning cubes, wrappers, and assorted hampers. Many of the appointees were also said to have adopted the posture of political benefactors, paying visits to traditional rulers and community leaders, attending social events, sponsoring meetings, and engaging in public displays of generosity under the guise of community development.
The coalition also claimed that some of the political hopefuls have quietly put campaign structures in place, coordinating attendance at social events, settling hospital bills, awarding scholarships, and making donations through informal campaign support groups.
Reacting to the development, the Coalition of Civic Societies on Accountability and Good Governance called on Governor Bassey Otu to take firm action against cabinet members allegedly warming up for political offices. The group urged the governor to compel such commissioners to resign or be relieved of their duties, warning that divided loyalty within the executive council could slow reforms and weaken governance.
Speaking to journalists, the coalition’s coordinator, Agba Vincent, said the Otu administration came into office with a clear mandate to restore and reposition Cross River State. He cautioned that allowing commissioners to pursue political ambitions while holding executive positions could derail ongoing reforms and erode public trust.
Also speaking, the coalition’s spokesperson, Raymond Agabi, said political ambition is legitimate in a democracy but should not be pursued at the expense of public service. He maintained that the responsible choice for any appointee seeking elective office is to step aside and allow others who are fully committed to governance to take charge.
The coalition insisted that decisive action by the governor would send a strong message about discipline, accountability, and seriousness of purpose within the administration. It urged Governor Otu to act proactively, warning that delay could allow internal distractions to weaken government performance.
According to the group, residents of Cross River State expect results rather than excuses, and public officials must remain focused on delivering the dividends of democracy instead of engaging in premature political calculations.
