By Ike Uchechukwu, CALABAR 

Stakeholders from Obubra Local Government Area in Cross River State have intensified demands for equitable political representation in the Cross River Central Senatorial District, insisting that the 2027 Senate seat be zoned to Obubra, the only local government in the district yet to produce a senator since Nigeria’s return to democracy.

The stakeholders made the position known on the sidelines of the screening of aspirants in Abuja on Saturday, where they unanimously endorsed Endurance Okpa Agbor as their preferred candidate for the seat.

Prince Oyama, State Ex-Officio 1 of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Cross River State, said the agitation for Obubra was rooted in justice, fairness and political inclusion.

“Obubra remains the only local government area in Cross River Central that has never produced a senator. 

“What we are asking for is fairness and equity. The time has come for the district to support Obubra in the spirit of justice and balanced representation,” Oyama stated.

He described Endurance Agbor as a competent, intellectually sound and globally exposed professional capable of providing quality representation.

Douglas Akonjom, an NDC stalwart and community mobiliser, said the endorsement was based on merit and Agbor’s impressive professional profile across legal, energy, technology, venture capital and housing sectors.

“Endurance Agbor has built a remarkable profile over the years. He has the exposure, network and leadership capacity needed to attract development and opportunities to Cross River Central. This is beyond politics; it is about giving the district effective representation,” Akonjom said.

Isek David Edoma, former Youth Leader and NDC chieftain, noted that the push for Obubra reflects the people’s desire for inclusion after years of marginalisation.

“Obubra has waited for decades while others have taken their turns. Our people believe this is the right time to correct that imbalance with a candidate who has the credentials, experience and passion to serve,” Edoma said.

The stakeholders highlighted Agbor’s background as an Energy and Natural Resources, Information Technology, Private Equity and Venture Capital, as well as Infrastructure and construction Projects Lawyer. A First Class Law graduate of the University of Calabar, he has taught Oil and Gas Law at the institution since 2018.

They added that leaders from Obubra and Etung LGAs are aligning on a power-sharing arrangement that would see the Senate seat go to Obubra and the House of Representatives position return to Etung to promote fairness and unity in the district.