Dr Mkpang Coco-Bassey, a former governorship aspirant under the Peoples Democratic Party, has officially declared his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election in Cross River State under the African Democratic Congress. The declaration was made on Thursday at Ward 11, Essien Street, Calabar South Local Government Area, where Coco-Bassey also formally registered as a member of the party. According to Coco-Bassey, his decision to join the ADC was due to his loss of confidence in existing political platforms, which he believes the party can provide a viable alternative to.
Coco-Bassey, who previously sought the governorship ticket under the PDP, stated that he officially resigned from the party on February 12 to join the ADC. He expressed his desire to restore hope and good governance in the state, citing the party's potential as a platform for renewed hope. The governorship hopeful also unveiled a development blueprint tagged "AHEAD," which he described as a roadmap for transforming the state. The blueprint prioritizes practical governance, hope, empowerment, elevation, and development across key sectors.
The 48-year-old aspirant called on young people in the state to actively participate in politics, urging them to take up leadership roles. He criticized the state of infrastructure in parts of Cross River, citing prolonged power outages in some communities as evidence of governance gaps. Coco-Bassey also expressed confidence in the ADC's chances in the 2027 election, dismissing concerns about the party's strength.
The event was attended by various party stakeholders, including Ikpoanwan Ayi, ADC Ward 11 Chairman, and Umoh Williams, ADC Chapter Chairman, Calabar South. Party stakeholders reiterated their support for Coco-Bassey's ambition, expressing optimism that the ADC would make a significant impact in the state's political space ahead of the 2027 elections. The State coordinator, Electoral matters, Dr Maurice Ekong, also expressed confidence in the ADC's growing influence, stating that recent developments indicate a shift in the political landscape.
The decision by Dr Mkpang Coco-Bassey to join the African Democratic Congress and contest the 2027 governorship election in Cross River State may signal a significant shift in the state's political landscape. Coco-Bassey's development blueprint, "AHEAD," prioritizes practical governance, hope, empowerment, elevation, and development, which may resonate with voters seeking change. The ADC's growing influence, as expressed by Dr Maurice Ekong, may also indicate a potential challenge to existing political platforms in the state.
The ADC's chances in the 2027 election will depend on various factors, including the party's ability to mobilize support and resources. However, with Coco-Bassey's declaration, the party has gained a prominent figure with experience in the oil and gas sector, which may be an asset in the election. The party's focus on empowering citizens and providing development-driven solutions may also appeal to voters seeking a alternative to existing political platforms.
The implications of Coco-Bassey's declaration for the Nigerian political landscape are significant, as it may indicate a growing trend of politicians seeking alternative platforms to achieve their goals. This trend may be driven by a desire for change and a loss of confidence in existing political parties. As the 2027 elections approach, it will be essential to watch how the ADC and other alternative platforms perform, as they may potentially disrupt the traditional political landscape.
The success of the ADC in Cross River State will depend on the party's ability to build a strong grassroots movement and mobilize support from various stakeholders. If the party is able to achieve this, it may provide a model for other alternative platforms to follow, potentially leading to a more diverse and competitive political landscape in Nigeria.
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