The political terrain of Cross River State ahead of the 2027 governorship election has taken a dramatic and unexpected turn as the Deputy Governorship Candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Bishop Dr. Elect Stella Charles Archibong, has formally withdrawn from the race and announced her decision to support the re-election bid of the incumbent Governor, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu. Her withdrawal, which was announced through a video message addressed to the people of Cross River State, has since gone viral on various social media platforms and has continued to generate intense political debate, analysis and reactions from stakeholders, party faithful, women groups, youth organizations and members of the Christian community across the three senatorial districts of the state.
In the emotionally laden video address, Bishop Archibong, who was the running mate to the NDC governorship candidate, Mr. John Opan Odey, explained in clear terms that her decision to quit the governorship race was not a hasty or unilateral decision, but a product of deep reflection, fervent prayers, wide consultations and frank discussions with critical stakeholders whose opinions she holds in high esteem. According to her, she consulted extensively with family members, elders, religious leaders, political associates, women leaders, youth groups and other critical stakeholders across the 18 local government areas of Cross River State before arriving at what she described as a painful but necessary decision in the overall interest of the state.
She maintained that after several days of soul-searching, spiritual intercession and political evaluation, she came to the inevitable conclusion that the collective interest, peace, unity, stability and continued progress of Cross River State must take precedence over personal political ambition, individual interest and narrow partisan considerations. She stressed that Cross River State belongs to all Cross Riverians irrespective of political affiliation, ethnic background or religious inclination, and that no personal ambition should be allowed to overheat the polity or threaten the fragile peace that the state currently enjoys under the present administration.
According to her, Cross River State is at a very critical and defining moment in its political history where what is urgently needed is peace, unity, continuity, stability and consolidation of the developmental strides already recorded by the current administration, rather than divisive politics, unnecessary rivalry and activities capable of truncating the existing power rotation arrangement that has helped to maintain balance and equity among the three senatorial districts. She noted that any attempt to disrupt the current zoning arrangement could plunge the state into avoidable political tension, acrimony and instability which would ultimately retard the progress and development of the state.
Following her formal withdrawal from the NDC joint ticket, the former deputy governorship candidate disclosed that she has decided to align herself fully, completely and unconditionally with the Back to South Movement, a formidable grassroots political movement and advocacy group led by Governor Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu and his Deputy, Dr. Peter Odey, which is championing the completion of eight years by the Southern Senatorial District in the governorship seat of the state. She explained that her decision to join the movement was informed by her conviction that equity, fairness and justice demand that the South be allowed to complete its two terms in office just like the Central and Northern districts had done in the past.
She explained in detail that the Back to South Movement is not just a mere political slogan but a movement anchored on the well-established principles of equity, fairness, justice, inclusiveness and power rotation among the three senatorial districts of the state, which has become an unwritten gentleman agreement that has helped to foster peace, mutual trust and political stability in Cross River State since the return of democracy in 1999. She added that the movement is aimed at ensuring that the southern senatorial district, where Governor Otu hails from, is allowed to complete its constitutionally allowed eight years in office in the interest of peace, balance, continuity and to avoid setting a dangerous precedent that could truncate the zoning system in the state.
Archibong noted with emphasis that Governor Otu, who is an illustrious son of the Southern Senatorial District, eminently deserves the support, solidarity and cooperation of all well-meaning, patriotic and peace-loving Cross Riverians to complete his second term in office in 2027, in line with the unwritten but highly respected zoning arrangement that has helped to maintain peace and political stability in the state for over two decades. She argued that allowing the South to complete its eight years would further strengthen the bond of unity among the various ethnic groups in the state and would promote a sense of belonging among all the senatorial zones.
She said her support for Governor Otu and his deputy, Dr. Peter Odey, is borne out of genuine conviction, personal observation and unbiased assessment that the current administration has demonstrated uncommon commitment, dedication and political will to good governance, infrastructural renewal, human capital development, economic revitalization and the overall welfare and well-being of the people of Cross River State. According to her, the Otu-led administration has in less than three years in office embarked on people-oriented programmes and projects that have positively impacted the lives of ordinary Cross Riverians, and therefore deserves to be supported to do more for the state.
The Bishop also seized the opportunity to express profound appreciation, deep gratitude and heartfelt thanks to the leadership of the Nigeria Democratic Congress at the state and national levels for giving her the rare opportunity, privilege and honour to serve as the party’s deputy governorship candidate in the forthcoming 2027 general elections. She described her short stint as the deputy governorship candidate of the NDC as enriching, enlightening, memorable and a great learning experience that has exposed her to the intricate dynamics of party politics, grassroots mobilization and the aspirations of Cross Riverians for good governance.
In particular, she extended special appreciation to the NDC State Chairman, Mr. Gody Akwama, the party’s governorship candidate, Mr. John Opan Odey, and the national leadership of the party for believing in her capacity, competence and leadership qualities, for their unwavering support, encouragement and for providing her a veritable platform to contribute to the political discourse and development agenda of Cross River State. She noted that she will forever remain grateful to the party for the confidence reposed in her and for allowing her to be part of its vision for a better Cross River State, even though she has now decided to chart a different political course.
She also extended her sincere gratitude to the entire membership of the NDC across the 18 local government areas of Cross River State, as well as her teeming supporters, loyal followers, prayer partners, well-wishers and members of her campaign team who stood by her throughout the period of her candidacy, offered prayers, moral support and financial assistance and encouraged her to remain steadfast, focused and committed in the pursuit of a better, more prosperous and united Cross River State for all. She said their love, support and encouragement will never be forgotten and will continue to inspire her in her future endeavours.
Archibong further tendered an unreserved, sincere and heartfelt apology to her supporters, admirers, campaign coordinators and members of her immediate and extended family who might feel disappointed, let down, betrayed or aggrieved by her sudden decision to withdraw from the governorship race, insisting that her decision was taken in utmost good faith, with a clear conscience and in the overall best interest of Cross River State and its people. She explained that leadership sometimes demands painful sacrifices and difficult decisions that may not be immediately understood or appreciated by all, but which are necessary for the greater good of society.
She pleaded passionately with her supporters to understand that politics should be about selfless service to the people, commitment to the common good and dedication to the development of society, and not about self-aggrandizement, personal ambition or desperation for power at all costs. She added that sometimes personal ambition must give way to the larger interest, collective destiny and future of the people of Cross River State, which must remain paramount and should be placed above every other consideration, including individual political aspirations and party loyalty.
Her reported withdrawal from the race, according to seasoned political observers, analysts and commentators in Cross River State, represents a very significant and far-reaching development for the Nigeria Democratic Congress ahead of the 2027 governorship election, as it leaves the party without a deputy governorship candidate and creates a big vacuum that may be difficult to fill within a short time. They argue that her exit may affect the party’s chances, credibility, cohesion and overall performance at the polls, especially given her popularity and influence among critical segments of the electorate.
Analysts also note that her decision is a potential boost, a major political gain and a strategic advantage for the Back to South Movement and the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, in Cross River State, considering her enviable position on the NDC ticket and her considerable influence, goodwill and strong network within the Christian community, women’s organizations and grassroots political structures across the state. They posit that her defection could trigger a wave of similar defections from other opposition parties to the ruling party as the 2027 elections approach.
Bishop Stella Archibong is a well-known, highly respected and influential religious leader, a philanthropist, a community development advocate and a grassroots mobiliser who commands enormous respect, loyalty and followership among women, youths, the Christian community and the less privileged across the state. Her defection and alignment with Governor Otu is therefore expected to attract more supporters, sympathizers and undecided voters to the camp of Governor Otu ahead of the 2027 general elections, thereby further consolidating the governor’s support base and brightening his chances of re-election.
Reacting to her withdrawal, some prominent political stakeholders, traditional rulers, women leaders and youth groups in Cross River State have described her decision as courageous, selfless, patriotic and statesmanlike, noting that it demonstrates a high level of maturity, love for the state and a clear understanding of the need for power rotation, political inclusiveness and continuity in governance. They commended her for placing the interest of the state above personal ambition and for showing that she is a true mother and leader who cares about the peace and unity of Cross River State.
Others, however, have expressed mixed feelings and divergent opinions, with some die-hard supporters of the NDC describing her action as a setback, a betrayal and a minus for the party, while supporters and promoters of the Back to South Movement have welcomed her with open arms, jubilation and excitement, describing her as a valuable addition, a big catch and a strong pillar that will add immense value to the movement and help to galvanize more support for Governor Otu’s second term project.
Meanwhile, efforts to get the official reaction of the NDC governorship candidate, Mr. John Opan Odey, and the state chairman of the party, Mr. Gody Akwama, were unsuccessful as at the time of filing this report, as several calls put to their mobile phones were not answered, while text messages and WhatsApp messages sent to them seeking their comments on the development were yet to be replied or acknowledged. Political watchers say the party may need to quickly convene an emergency meeting to decide on a replacement and to manage the fallout of her withdrawal.
As at the time of this report, the video announcing her withdrawal has continued to generate heated debates, comments, likes and shares on various social media platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp and X, with many Cross Riverians commending her for prioritising the interest of the state above personal ambition, while others are calling on other political actors, especially those from the northern and central senatorial districts, to emulate her example and support the Back to South agenda for the sake of equity, fairness and justice.
Political watchers and analysts in Cross River State are of the strong view that with this latest development, the coast is getting clearer, brighter and smoother for Governor Bassey Otu’s second term bid, as more opposition figures, aggrieved politicians and influential stakeholders are expected to join the Back to South Movement in the coming weeks and months ahead of the 2027 general elections. They also believe that the movement will continue to gain momentum and attract more high-profile defectors as the election draws nearer.
They also believe that Archibong’s alignment with Governor Otu will further strengthen the governor’s support base among women and the Christian community, which are critical, decisive and highly influential voting blocs in Cross River State, and will significantly enhance his chances of securing a landslide victory and overwhelming mandate in the 2027 governorship election. Many see her as a bridge builder who can help to reconcile aggrieved interests and mobilise grassroots support for the administration.
In the meantime, Bishop Dr. Elect Stella Charles Archibong has assured Cross Riverians that she will continue to work tirelessly, selflessly and committedly for the peace, unity, progress and development of the state, and will deploy her influence, energy, resources, network and God-given talents to support the administration of Governor Bassey Otu and ensure the success of the Back to South agenda, which she described as a divine mandate aimed at ensuring justice, equity and sustainable development for all Cross Riverians.
