The National Patriotic Front for Tinubu (NPFFT) has temporarily withdrawn its political support for President Bola Tinubu in Cross River State, citing concerns over political representation, oil-producing status and the treatment of state indigenes in federal appointments.

 

The group announced its decision in a press statement dated October 29, 2026, signed by its Director-General, Castro Ezama, alongside other officials.

 

NPFFT said the withdrawal would remain in place pending the resolution of what it described as critical grievances affecting its members, supporters and other stakeholders in Cross River State.

 

The organisation stressed that its decision was not a declaration of permanent opposition to Tinubu but a move intended to compel urgent engagement between the Presidency and stakeholders in the state.

 

According to the group, Cross River has contributed to the political strength of the ruling party and the Federal Government but has continued to face questions over its place in the country’s political and administrative structure.

 

NPFFT Demands Presidential Visit to Cross River

One of the group’s major demands is for Tinubu to visit Cross River State as part of his engagements across the country.

 

NPFFT argued that the state should not be overlooked in the President’s political activities and called for an opportunity for residents and stakeholders to interact directly with him.

 

The group said such a visit would allow the President to engage traditional rulers, youths, women, business leaders and political stakeholders while listening to their concerns.

 

It maintained that the state’s residents deserved direct engagement with the nation’s leader rather than being left out of important presidential activities.

 

Group Seeks Rescheduling of December 2 Rally

NPFFT also called for the proposed presidential rally scheduled for December 2 in Cross River State to be moved to another date.

 

The organisation said rescheduling the event would provide sufficient time for mobilisation, consultation and broader participation by stakeholders across the state.

 

It argued that the rally should serve a purpose beyond a ceremonial political gathering, insisting that it should provide an opportunity for the President to hear directly from the people and respond to their concerns.

 

The group did not specify an alternative date for the proposed rally in its statement.

 

Calls for Restoration of Cross River’s Oil-Producing Status

Another major demand centres on Cross River State’s claim to oil-producing status.

 

NPFFT called on the Federal Government to address the state’s interests in the petroleum sector, subject to applicable constitutional, statutory, regulatory and boundary procedures.

 

The organisation said Cross River’s oil-related claims should be investigated and handled in accordance with the law.

 

The issue of oil-producing status is significant because of its implications for the state’s recognition and potential access to benefits associated with petroleum-producing areas.

 

However, the group did not provide further details in the statement on the specific legal or administrative steps it expects the Federal Government to take to resolve the matter.

 

Seeks Cross River Indigene as Psychiatric Hospital CMD

The group further demanded that the Federal Government consider appointing a suitably qualified Cross River indigene as the substantive Chief Medical Director of the Federal Psychiatric Hospital in Calabar.

 

NPFFT said the request was based on the need for fair representation and recognition of qualified professionals from the institution’s host state.

Related Stories

 

It clarified that its demand was not intended to undermine merit or professional competence, adding that Cross River had medical professionals capable of providing leadership at the hospital.

 

The organisation called for an appointment process that recognises both professional qualifications and the importance of inclusive representation.

 

Demands Fair Promotion for NUPRC Staff

NPFFT also raised concerns about outstanding promotion issues involving staff of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), particularly qualified personnel from Cross River State.

 

The group urged the relevant authorities to review the concerns transparently and ensure that eligible officers were not denied career advancement because of their state of origin.

 

It said promotion decisions should be based on qualifications, experience, performance and other established requirements.

 

The organisation called for a transparent review mechanism to address genuine grievances and ensure equal opportunities for affected workers.

 

Wants National Women Leader Position Returned to Cross River

The group’s sixth demand is the return of the National Women Leader position to Cross River State.

 

NPFFT argued that the state deserved greater recognition in the distribution of key positions within the ruling party, citing its contributions to the party’s political structure.

 

It described the demand as part of a broader call for equitable representation and fairness in the allocation of national party offices.

 

The statement did not identify the specific circumstances surrounding the position or provide details of the arrangements through which the group expects it to be returned to the state.

 

NPFFT Leaves Door Open for Dialogue

Despite its decision to suspend political support, NPFFT said it remained open to discussions with the Presidency, the leadership of the ruling party and other relevant authorities.

 

The organisation described its action as a political signal intended to prompt urgent engagement rather than a permanent break with Tinubu.

 

It warned, however, that political support should not be taken for granted and must be sustained through fairness, inclusion, responsiveness and respect for the aspirations of the people.

 

The group said it would suspend its political mobilisation and support for Tinubu in Cross River until meaningful steps were taken towards addressing its demands.

 

It also urged its members, supporters and other residents to remain peaceful and law-abiding while awaiting a response from the appropriate authorities.

 

The statement was also endorsed by National Secretary Hon. Musa Zubairu, National Organising Secretary Hon. Charles Obi and Cross River State Director-General Mr Edem-Obong Benjamin Effiom.

 

Political Implications

NPFFT’s announcement introduces another point of pressure in the relationship between pro-Tinubu political groups and the Federal Government, particularly over demands for representation and recognition at the state level.

 

Whether the temporary withdrawal will affect broader political mobilisation for Tinubu in Cross River remains unclear. The statement does not establish the extent of the group’s membership or its influence across the state’s political landscape.

 

The next steps will depend on whether the Presidency and the ruling party engage the group and address the issues it has raised.

 

For now, NPFFT has made its position clear: it is prepared to reconsider its support if it sees meaningful progress on its demands.