2023 Guber Race: On Who Are You Pitching Your Tent?

Though the next gubernatorial election is still about 20 months away, permutations on who occupies the palatial Peregrino House in 2023 have already assumed an enormous proportion.

Since the inception of democracy in Nigeria, the People's Democratic Party (PDP), has produced all three governors in Cross River State. The 2019 governorship elections in the State was the only time an opposition party gave the PDP a run for their money, though the opposition was marred by unhealthy infighting between the party's heavyweights.

But more recently, political puzzles are becoming increasingly difficult to solve; with the earth-shattering defection to the All Progressive Congress as a political masterstroke that has threatened the PDP even to it's very foundation. Politics has taken a new turn in the State.

The political exodus that has hit the PDP since Governor Ben Ayade's defection has seen a meteoric rise in the membership and strength of the APC. Governorship hopefuls have also shifted grounds to align with the power of incumbency.

And just yesterday, Engr. Ben Akak joined the long list of potential candidates vying to succeed Governor Ayade in 2023.

The possible APC candidates for governorship race, if we're focusing on southern senatorial district, are: Engr. Ben Akak; Sen. Prince Bassey Otu; Rt. Hon. Joseph Bassey; Rt. Hon. George Obenechi; and the State Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Asuquo Ekpenyong Jr.

The big question now is: who are you pitching tent with?

For me, Engr. Ben Akak, a philanthropist and sellable aspirant, whose ideology and philosophical disposition is impacting positively on the lives of Cross Riverians; the boisterous personality is replete with the wherewithal to take the reins of power as the next governor of Cross River State.

The Calabar-born Ben Akak offers a new dimension to political leadership in a polity that has been blighted by recycling of political office holders.

Without political influence, he had been a huge blessing to Cross River State, hence the level of acceptability of his political aspiration.

His philanthropic nature in the state has given him significant relevance in the eyes of Cross Riverians. He could muster support from the hills of Obanliku to the the shores of Bakassi.

A towering ambassador for the new age political Cross River State. With him I believe Cross River State would be in a safe hands.

It is my hope that our dear State would, come 2023, have a new sheriff in Ben Akak that will take us to the eldorado of our dreams.

By Trinity Jesam

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