Vice-President Kashim Shettima has urged residents of Cross River State to support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, promising the delivery of major infrastructure projects.
He specifically highlighted the proposed Bakassi Deep Seaport and Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, saying both projects would create economic opportunities for the state.
Shettima made the appeal on Monday, November 2, 2026, while representing Tinubu at the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign rally in Calabar.
The rally took place at the U.J. Esuene Stadium, where the Vice-President also called for the re-election of Governor Bassey Otu and other APC candidates.
Shettima Highlights Benefits of Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway
Speaking on the coastal highway, Shettima said the project would connect communities along Nigeria’s coastline and improve the movement of people and goods.
He added that the road would boost tourism, attract investors and create thousands of direct and indirect jobs.
According to him, the project forms part of the Federal Government’s plans to expand economic opportunities in Cross River State.
Shettima expressed confidence that the highway would help position the state as a major beneficiary of the administration’s infrastructure programme.
Bakassi Deep Seaport Receives Federal Approval
The Vice-President also disclosed that the Federal Government had approved the proposed Bakassi Deep Seaport.
He described the project as an important development for Cross River’s maritime economy.
“When completed, it will become an international maritime gateway. It will attract shipping companies. It will generate employment,” Shettima said.
He explained that the port would attract maritime businesses and create jobs for residents.
The project is also expected to stimulate industrial development and open opportunities for businesses operating in the state.
Shettima maintained that the seaport and coastal highway would strengthen Cross River’s position in Nigeria’s maritime economy.
Shettima Seeks Another Term for Tinubu and Otu
Beyond the infrastructure promises, Shettima urged Cross River residents to renew the mandates of Tinubu and Governor Otu in 2027.
He thanked the people for supporting the APC administration over the previous three years.
The Vice-President described the relationship between the government and the people as “an alliance of prosperity, an alliance of opportunity.”
He said the APC was seeking another mandate based on its record in office.
Shettima also reminded elected officials that they must remain accountable to the people who entrusted them with political authority.
He called on residents to support other APC candidates contesting for seats in the National Assembly and Cross River State House of Assembly.
Vice-President Highlights Student Financing Initiative
Shettima also spoke about the Federal Government’s student financing programme.
He said the initiative would reduce the financial burden on parents and expand access to higher education.
According to him, the programme would promote human capital development by helping students continue their education despite financial difficulties.
He maintained that financial challenges should not prevent young Nigerians from pursuing their academic ambitions.
The Calabar rally formed part of the APC’s nationwide mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general election.
