Vice President Kashim Shettima has acknowledged that political authority belongs to the people, urging residents of Cross River State to renew President Bola Tinubu’s mandate in the 2027 general election.

Shettima said elected public office holders must return to the electorate to give an account of their stewardship and present programmes worthy of the people's trust.

He made the appeal on Monday during the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign rally in Calabar, the Cross River State capital, Naija News reports.

The Vice President also urged residents to support Governor Bassey Otu's re-election bid and vote for APC candidates contesting seats in the National Assembly and the Cross River State House of Assembly.

Addressing the crowd, Shettima said the APC had remained committed to its supporters despite what he described as lies and propaganda aimed at misrepresenting the party and the Tinubu administration.

He described the APC as a trustworthy political partner, noting that the people of Cross River State had continued to support the party over the past three years.

"To the people of Cross River State, we have come to you again. We have come as the most trustworthy friends that you can ever have. These are not empty words.

"Over the past three years, you have shown us support and have resisted the lies and propaganda intended to misrepresent us. This is why we are here," he said.

Shettima also conveyed Tinubu's greetings to the people, describing the relationship between the APC and Cross River residents as an alliance built on progress, prosperity, opportunity and dignity.

He said the party was seeking a renewed mandate because political authority ultimately belongs to the people.

"You, the people, are the focus, and we are here today to seek a renewed mandate for Tinubu as President of Nigeria, Governor Otu and members of the National Assembly and the Cross River State House of Assembly.

"We seek this opportunity to carry their work into second terms. We are asking because authority belongs to the people. 

We are asking because those entrusted with authority must return with their accounts of stewardship and a programme worthy of trust. This is why we are here today," the Vice President stated.

He urged voters to support Tinubu and Otu for another term in office and elect APC candidates across the country.

Shettima said: "I stand before you today to ask you once again to renew the mandate of His Excellency, Tinubu, as President of Nigeria, myself as Vice President, and another term for Bassey Otu as Governor of Cross River State. Vote APC from top to bottom."