Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has dismissed the coalition African Democratic Congress, ADC, as a political gathering of “kwashiokor politicians” and detractors who once plunged Nigeria into hardship.
Otu made the remark on Tuesday, while receiving the endorsement of repentant members of the outlawed Bakassi Defence Force, BDF, whom he empowered with grants of N800 million. They had declared support for Otu’s re-election bid in 2027.
Governor Otu, visibly pleased with the gesture, said the ADC was nothing more than a distraction.
“We’ve heard that there are some kwashiokor persons making moves to take over power. They call themselves ADC. They’re nothing more than detractors, a distraction!” he stated.
He also took a swipe at the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, describing it as another “sickly group” incapable of returning Nigeria to what he called the “dark days.”
“As one who was once in opposition, I know detractors when I see them. They cannot achieve anything. It’s glaring that people don’t like the truth, but we have seen those who put Nigerians where they were before we came in. They won’t succeed,” Otu declared.
Despite his strong words, the governor maintained that his administration would not stifle dissenting voices, stressing that democracy guarantees freedom of association and expression.
“Well, we’re in a democracy. And so, we won’t stop them from exercising their rights of speaking and grouping for political purposes,” he added.
Kwashiorkor politicians’ – Gov Otu blasts ADC members