By Frank Ulom
CALABAR (CONVERSEER) – Comrade Dan Obo, Special Adviser to Governor Bassey Otu on Youth Mobilisation and National Vice President (South-South) of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), has strongly warned political parties, particularly the All Progressives Congress (APC), against fielding Senator Eteng Jonah Williams for re-election in the Cross River Central Senatorial District, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Obo made the remarks on Tuesday during an interactive session with journalists in Calabar, where he criticised Senator Williams for what he termed as a poor and ineffective representation of the district at the National Assembly.
“The standard has gone down. There’s nothing to pretend about. In the history of Cross River, Central Senatorial District has always produced senators who have class,” Obo said, lamenting the quality of leadership under the current senator.
He recalled that past senators from the district, including John Owan-Enoh, Victor Ndoma-Egba, and Sandy Onor, were known for their intellectual capacity and strong voice in the Senate. According to him, the public rebuke of Senator Williams in the Senate chambers was a sign of waning respect and influence.
“In fact, the last one was the orator of the Ninth Senate. This is the first time our senator will be talking in chambers, and they will say, ‘Senator of Cross River Central, please sit down.’ They never did it to John. They never did it to Ndoma-Egba. They never did it to Sandy,” he said.
Highlighting the growing developmental gaps in the district, Obo pointed to the lack of a functional hospital and the abandonment of youth centres. He expressed concern that constituents still travel to Calabar for basic healthcare, while natural resources in the district remain untapped.
Obo questioned Senator Williams’ capacity to drive development, stressing that the lawmaker has failed to initiate impactful projects or address the critical needs of the people. He called on constituents, especially the youth, to reject his candidacy in the next election cycle.
The governor’s aide also urged the Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, Hon. Oden Ewa, to consider contesting the senatorial seat, describing him as a “fresh and competent candidate” capable of restoring dignity and meaningful representation to the zone.
Obo concluded by warning political parties that any decision to endorse Senator Williams for a second term could cost them victory in the 2027 elections.
“Any party that gives him a ticket is bound to lose the Central Senatorial District,” he declared.