Toyo Campaign Woos UPM Ahead Of 2027 Poll

CROSS RIVER, CALABAR – The campaign team of African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate in Cross River State, Ambassador Nkoyo Toyo, has stepped up its grassroots engagement ahead of the 2027 governorship election, seeking the support of the Ultimate People’s Movement (UPM).

The campaign delegation, led by Mr Archibong Eyo, met with members of the grassroots political movement during a gathering focused on UPM’s political activities and its position ahead of the election.

Eyo appealed to the group to consider supporting Toyo’s candidacy, saying its grassroots presence could be significant to the campaign.

He also acknowledged UPM’s concerns about political engagement and representation, assuring the group that its support and participation in the electoral process would be valued.

“What you have done today will speak for you tomorrow,” Eyo told members of the movement while urging them to consider supporting the Toyo campaign.

Responding, UPM Coordinator, Duke Brownson Edet, said the movement was assessing political candidates and had not closed its options ahead of the 2027 election.

Edet said UPM’s approach had been shaped by its previous experiences with politicians, particularly what he described as instances where promises made to communities were not fulfilled after elections.

He said the group would expect any candidate seeking its support to maintain meaningful engagement with communities and grassroots organisations.

“A candidate who does not see us; we will not work for such a candidate,” Edet said.

The UPM coordinator further said the movement would not regard the distribution of material items as a substitute for sustained political engagement and representation.

He recalled an instance in which he said he rejected eight bags of fertiliser and N100,000 because, according to him, such items did not address the broader expectations of the grassroots.

Edet said UPM would continue to assess its options as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

The meeting therefore ended without an endorsement of any candidate, with the movement indicating that its position would depend on the quality of engagement and commitments offered by candidates seeking its support.