Vice President Kashim Shettima has described the All Progressives Congress (APC) as Nigerians’ “most trustworthy friend”, urging voters to renew the party’s mandate by re-electing President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
Shettima made the declaration on Monday, November 2, during the APC presidential campaign rally in Calabar, Cross River State, where he appealed to residents to continue supporting the ruling party.
He also canvassed votes for Governor Bassey Otu’s re-election and urged the electorate to return APC candidates contesting seats in the National Assembly and the Cross River State House of Assembly.
Addressing the crowd, the Vice President said the party had maintained a strong relationship with Cross River residents, who, according to him, had stood by the Tinubu administration despite attempts by political opponents to discredit the government.
“To the people of Cross Rivers 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 thanked the people for their continued support, assuring them that the APC valued their loyalty.
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He also conveyed Tinubu’s greetings and described the relationship between the party and the state as an alliance built on progress, prosperity, opportunity and dignity.
He said the party was seeking another mandate because political authority ultimately belonged to the electorate, adding that elected officials had a responsibility to account for their performance before asking for another term.
“You the people are the focus, and we are here today to seek renewed mandate for Tinubu as President of Nigeria, Governor Otu and members of the National Assembly and the Cross Rivers 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,” he said.
The Vice President subsequently called on Cross River voters to support the APC at every level of government, stressing the need for a renewed mandate for the party’s candidates.
“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,” Shettima said.