Shettima Begs Cross River Voters to Renew Tinubu’s Mandate in 2027

Vice President Admits Political Power Belongs to Nigerians, Seeks Second Term for Tinubu, Otu and APC Lawmakers

Vice President Kashim Shettima has appealed to Nigerians, particularly voters in Cross River State, to renew President Bola Tinubu’s mandate in the 2027 general election, acknowledging that political power ultimately belongs to the people.

Shettima made the appeal on Monday during the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign rally in Calabar, the Cross River State capital, where he also canvassed support for Governor Bassey Otu’s re-election and APC candidates seeking legislative positions.

The Vice President argued that elected officials must periodically return to the electorate to account for their stewardship and present programmes capable of earning another opportunity to govern.

He said the APC was seeking a fresh mandate because the people remained the ultimate owners of political authority.

Addressing the crowd, Shettima described the APC as a dependable political partner, insisting that the party had remained committed to its supporters despite what he characterised as persistent lies and propaganda against the Tinubu administration.

He commended Cross River residents for their continued support of the APC over the past three years, claiming that they had resisted attempts to misrepresent the party and its government.

“To the people of Cross River State, we have come to you again, we have come as the most trustworthy friends that you can ever have. These are not empty words.

“Over the past three years, you have shown us support and have resisted the lies and propaganda intended to misrepresent us. This is why we are here,” he said.

Shettima also conveyed President Tinubu’s greetings to the people, describing the relationship between the APC and Cross River State as an alliance founded on progress, prosperity, opportunity and dignity.

Making a direct appeal for another electoral mandate, the Vice President stressed that those entrusted with public office must return to the electorate with an account of their performance and a convincing programme for the future.

“You, the people, are the focus, and we are here today to seek a renewed mandate for Tinubu as President of Nigeria, Governor Otu and members of the National Assembly and the Cross River State House of Assembly.

“We seek this opportunity to carry their workings to second terms. We are asking because authority belongs to the people. We are asking because those entrusted with authority must return with their account of stewardship and a programme worthy of trust. This is why we are here today,” Shettima stated.

He subsequently urged voters to support Tinubu and Otu for another four-year term, while calling for the election of APC candidates into the National Assembly and the Cross River State House of Assembly.

“I stand before you today to ask you once again to renew the mandate of His Excellency, Tinubu as President of Nigeria and myself as Vice President, and another term for Bassey Otu as Governor of Cross River State. Vote APC from top to bottom,” he declared.

The rally forms part of the APC’s efforts to consolidate its political support ahead of the 2027 general election.