Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State criticized the African Democratic Congress (ADC), labeling its members as “detractors” who once contributed to Nigeria’s economic hardship. Speaking at an event where he received an endorsement from former members of the Bakassi Defence Force (BDF) for his 2027 re‑election bid, Otu presented the ex‑BDF members with grants totaling N800 million. He thanked them for their support and dismissed the ADC as a mere distraction, arguing that the party’s attempts to gain power are futile because it cannot provide effective leadership.
Otu also turned his remarks toward the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), describing it as a “sickly group” incapable of restoring Nigeria to its former condition. Drawing on his own experience as a former opposition member, he asserted that detractors lack the capacity to achieve meaningful change.
Despite his harsh criticism of both the ADC and PDP, Governor Otu affirmed his commitment to democratic principles, including the freedoms of association and expression. He emphasized that democracy guarantees the right to form political groups and voice opinions, and his administration will not suppress dissenting voices.
The governor’s comments come as Nigeria’s political landscape continues to evolve. The endorsement from former BDF members is viewed as a significant boost to Otu’s re‑election campaign, and political parties and alliances are expected to play a crucial role in shaping the country’s future trajectory. Although the ADC remains a notable player in Nigerian politics, its influence has waned in recent years, and its attempts to regain power are likely to face substantial challenges given the incumbent government’s strong stance against opposition. How the ADC and other opposition parties will respond to Otu’s criticism and navigate the complex political environment remains to be seen.
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