By Solomon Azu
After 24 years of exclusion, the people of Akpabuyo must now “stand up to be counted” and produce the next member of the House of Representatives for Akpabuyo, Bakassi and Calabar South (ABC) Federal Constituency, Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate, Ededem Hogan, has declared.
Speaking on Monday during a meeting with the 10 party ward chairmen in Akpabuyo, Hogan said the era of one area dominating the seat was over, and 2027 must mark a turning point for the LGA.
“For over 24 years, Akpabuyo has never produced a representative for this federal constituency,” Hogan said, adding, “In spite of the fact that this local government is one of the key local governments in this constituency, the food basket of this constituency, we have not done well to produce a representative.
“This is our time. Akpabuyo has been denied for too long. I am here because of you, and I will represent all of you effectively.”
Hogan, who described the turnout of ward leaders as “the whole of Akpabuyo represented here,” promised to run an open and inclusive office if elected.
“I am the candidate that will listen to you. I am the candidate that will consult with you. I am the candidate that will remain accessible after election day,” he pledged.
He said his covenant with Akpabuyo was “a representation that works for everyone” and not for a small clique.
“Gone are the days that you have a representative whose only impact or project is scanty cash handouts during election season. We are tired of the politics of a few cups of rice and of one-size-fits-all empowerment.”
The candidate promised that communities would decide for communities.
“We promise that we will sit together and decide the kind of empowerment that will work for every one of you. Whether it’s gully erosion, support for our farmers, empowerment of our fishermen, be it renovation or construction of primary schools, or provision of health centres. It will be things that matter most to the people of Akpabuyo.”
Hogan urged the ward chairmen to take the message of hope to every village in Akpabuyo and deliver a landslide for the NDC across the entire federal constituency.
“I want to solicit your prayers. I want to solicit your support, and most importantly, I want to ask for your vote.
“Tell our people that our son is here to represent us. Let our people know that indeed, this is our time,” he declared.
Responding, the NDC Chapter Chairman for Akpabuyo, Hon. Ekpenyong Bassey, expressed delight that after 20 years of misrepresentation, Akpabuyo/Bakassi/Calabar South Federal Constituency has finally produced a candidate with capacity and passion not only to represent but to change the narratives of the area
He pledged the readiness of all party officers and stakeholders to work and mobilise the people to ensure victory for the candidate and the party in Akpabuyo in the 2027 election.
Others who spoke pledged their loyalty and commitment to the party and the emergence of the candidate in the 2027 election
They called for a befitting chapter secretariat for the party in the area and other logistics, including campaign materials, to enable them to mobilise the people for the party to ensure success in the 2027 election.
The ABC Federal Constituency comprises Akpabuyo, Bakassi and Calabar South Local Government Areas of Cross River State.
