The Cross River State Sports Commission has inaugurated a grassroots support group to mobilise political backing for Bola Tinubu and Bassey Otu ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The group, named the Sport Community Support Group, was unveiled on Friday in Calabar as part of efforts to strengthen grassroots participation and secure victory for both leaders in the next election cycle.

Speaking during the inauguration, the chairman of the commission, Lawrence Etta, described members of the group as key actors in mobilising support at the grassroots level.

Etta said the initiative was aimed at rallying support for the re-election of President Tinubu and Governor Otu, describing it as a continuation of policies focused on economic stability, youth empowerment, and national development.

“We have work to do. The future of Nigeria and the safety of our children’s tomorrow depend on what we build today. Let us remain united, disciplined, and committed,” he said.

He noted that sports remain a powerful tool for unity, capable of bringing people together across ethnic, religious, and ideological differences.

“Sport is a uniting factor. It has the capacity to bring people from different religious backgrounds, ethnicity and beliefs together. I urge all the support group members to carry out this evangelism for President Tinubu and Governor Otu’s re-election,” he added.

Etta also urged members and vice chairmen of the 18 local government councils in Cross River State, who will serve as grassroots sports coordinators, to intensify efforts in promoting government policies and programmes.

“Our primary objective is to strengthen the support base for our leaders as we approach the next electoral cycle,” he said.

In his remarks, the Director General of the commission, Obi Akan, thanked the state government for the trust placed in the committee.

Akan said the initiative combines grassroots coordination with political strategy and pledged that members would work actively to mobilise support for Tinubu and Otu ahead of the 2027 elections.

Other members of the group include Christina Eso as secretary, Emilia Katame as financial secretary, Cecilia Ogar as treasurer, Ekuma Ngwu as publicity secretary and director of media, Rhoda Ashong as welfare officer, Sunny Ndep Ebam as organising secretary, Joseph Ukata as director of contact and mobilisation, and Chris Effiom as member, alongside vice chairmen of local councils who will serve as coordinators.