Engineer Akpang Coco-Bassey Declares For Governorship Under ADC, Unveils ‘Ahead’ Vision In Calabar South
✓ Former PDP aspirant formally registers in Ward 11, rallies youth participation, and positions ADC as credible alternative for Cross River State ahead of 2027
By COCO-BASSEY MEDIA
CALABAR – Engineer Mkpang Coco-Bassey, PhD, has formally declared his intention to contest the governorship of Cross River State under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), unveiling a renewed vision anchored on action, hope, empowerment, altitude, and development, collectively branded as “AHEAD”.
The declaration took place during his manual registration at ADC Ward 11, Calabar South, where he presented his party card and addressed party faithful, stakeholders, and supporters in a charged grassroots gathering.
Opening his remarks with the party’s slogan, “ADC, arise and shine, Nigeria,” Coco-Bassey expressed enthusiasm about formally joining the party at the ward level, emphasising the symbolic importance of grassroots engagement.
“Today, I officially registered manually, not online, here in Ward 11, and I have my party card. This is where it begins,” he said.
Reintroducing the “AHEAD” Vision
Reflecting on his earlier governorship ambition in 2021, which he pursued under a different platform, Coco-Bassey noted that what was once dismissed by some as unrealistic has now evolved into a refined and actionable blueprint.
“When I first came here years ago to declare, people thought it was a joke. But I came with a vision, “AHEAD”, and today, I am here to reaffirm that vision,” he stated.
He broke down the acronym as follows:
Action:
“Action speaks louder than words. I am a man of action, and I will bring purposeful action to the Cross River State.”
Hope:
“We have lost hope in governance. I am here to rekindle that hope, starting from Ward 11 and extending across the state.”
Empowerment:
“Empowerment is not about distributing bicycles. It is about development, teaching people how to fish, not just giving them fish.”
Altitude:
“With over 15 years’ experience in the oil and gas sector, I am not afraid of heights. I will take Cross River State to greater heights.”
Development:
“We will drive development across all sectors, youth, women, health, agriculture, and beyond.”
ADC as a Platform for Change
In a sideline interview, Coco-Bassey described the ADC as a viable alternative to Nigeria’s dominant political parties, stressing that the platform represents renewed possibilities for governance.
“ADC is an alternative that can solve Nigeria’s problems. Nigerians have lost hope in other political parties, and ADC offers a platform to restore that hope,” he said.
He confirmed that he resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on 12 February to join the ADC, maintaining that his political ideology remains consistent despite the change in platform.
“I previously contested under the PDP, but it was not successful. However, the vision remains the same, this time, we will work together to achieve it,” he added.
Confidence Ahead of 2027
Responding to concerns about the dominance of rival parties in the state, Coco-Bassey dismissed claims of any insurmountable advantage, insisting that the ADC is gaining momentum.
“They say another party is dominant, but I say they are afraid, that is why they are challenging ADC. We will meet on the field,” he asserted.
He cited infrastructural deficits, including prolonged power outages in parts of the state, as evidence of governance failure.
“I drove through Akamkpa communities that have had no electricity for over a decade. That is not acceptable, and it must change,” he said.
Youth Inclusion and Leadership Drive
Positioning himself as a candidate of generational change, Coco-Bassey called on young people to actively participate in politics and leadership.
“If young people do not step up, those who are not fit for leadership will continue to occupy those spaces,” he said.
He further pledged to build capacity among youths across all 18 local government areas.
“One of my key priorities is to train and empower young leaders, giving them the platform to lead and succeed.”
Symbolism of a New Beginning
Referencing the recent ADC National Convention in Abuja, he interpreted its “rainbow” symbolism as a sign of renewal and transformation.
“The rainbow signifies a new beginning. The old has passed away. We are on a new path to rescue Nigeria and Cross River State,” he declared.
Party Leaders Rally Support
Earlier, the ADC Ward 11 Chairman, Mrs Ikpoanwan Ayi, welcomed the aspirant and reaffirmed the ward’s commitment to grassroots mobilisation.
“We will not disappoint you. We will take this message to every home and continue preaching the gospel of ADC,” she said.
Also speaking, Dr Maurice Ekong, State Coordinator for Electoral Matters Liaison Officer, described the declaration as a significant milestone for the party.
“This is a proud moment. It sends a clear message that ADC has credible aspirants ready to lead. This is just the beginning,” he noted.
Ekong further revealed that Calabar South is the first local government area in the state to witness such a declaration under the ADC.
Similarly, the ADC Calabar South Chapter Chairman, Comrade Umoh Williams, expressed optimism about the party’s prospects, citing a growing appetite for political change.
“There is going to be a paradigm shift in this country. Nigerians are ready for something different, and ADC is that alternative,” he said.
A Movement Taking Shape
The event concluded with chants of party solidarity and renewed calls for unity among members as the ADC positions itself for the 2027 general elections.
With his formal declaration, Engineer Mkpang Coco-Bassey PhD., joins the emerging list of aspirants seeking to redefine Cross River State’s political landscape, leveraging grassroots engagement and a reform-driven agenda.
As momentum builds, all eyes will be on how the ADC consolidates its structure and translates early enthusiasm into electoral strength in the months ahead.
