The political contest between the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River State has taken a sharper turn, as the APC dismissed the PDP’s declaration of returning to power in 2027, calling it an “empty boast” and a “political comedy.”

In a statement on Thursday, APC Publicity Secretary Emmanuel Inyang said the PDP had lost relevance in the state and no longer possessed the political muscle to challenge Governor Bassey Otu in the next general elections.

According to him, “Ordinarily, we would not waste time responding to their ramblings, but we must remind Cross Riverians that even when the PDP was at its strongest, the APC defeated it convincingly at the polls. Today, the PDP is a mere shadow of its former self, with members defecting in droves to the APC. Their ambition in 2027 is dead on arrival.”

The APC described a recent PDP stakeholders’ meeting in Calabar, led by State Chairman Venatius Ikem, as “hollow” and a failed attempt to create the impression that the party still stood a chance of reclaiming power.

The PDP once dominated Cross River politics from 1999 until cracks within its ranks eroded its influence. The defection of former Governor Ben Ayade to the APC in 2021 further weakened the opposition and gave the ruling party an advantage heading into the 2023 elections.

The APC insists that Governor Otu’s administration has deepened the ruling party’s position and reduced the PDP’s prospects of staging any meaningful contest in 2027.

“Governor Otu’s re-election is as certain as daybreak and nightfall. No amount of wishful thinking or press briefings by PDP leaders can change the political reality. Cross Riverians have chosen progress with the APC, and the ‘People First’ administration is delivering on its promises,” the statement added.

The PDP, however, has maintained that it is rebuilding and is confident of making a comeback. At its recent meeting in Calabar, the party leadership vowed to mobilise grassroots support and “rescue Cross River from misrule.”

With both parties exchanging verbal attacks, political observers believe the coming months will reveal whether the PDP can successfully regroup or whether the APC will tighten its grip on the state.

Although the opposition continues to suffer defections, it is counting on rising public frustration over economic hardship to swing momentum in its favour in 2027. The PDP has also criticised Governor Otu’s performance in office, insisting that voters could be swayed by dissatisfaction with his administration.

The APC, nevertheless, remains adamant.

Inyang said: “Cross Riverians know where they stand. The PDP had its chance for 16 years, and it squandered it. The future belongs to the APC.”