As political parties prepare for their respective primaries ahead of 2027 general elections, the Governor of Cross River State HE. Senator Apostle Prince Bassey Edet Otu ‘s attention need to be drawn to the rotation arrangements as regards the Obudu State constituency.
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The Governor in his interactive session with stakeholders of APC recently in Calabar, CRS stated that incumbent house members who desire to seek for another term in office should uphold to zoning in their respective constituencies as there’s no automatic ticket for anyone, Otu ‘s statement is clear on the principle of zoning and fair play.
In Obudu, there has been a long-standing zoning tradition of the Obudu State constituency seat for four years between the bette and Utukalu blocs until this was interrupted by the then Governor of the State, HE. Senator Liye Imoke in 2015 in consultation with the Obudu political leaders.
Late Rt. Hon. Steve Ukpukpen whose state house journey began in 2011(first term) was from Bedia, Angiaba/Begiaka, Bette bloc, he was given a second term in 2015, unfortunately, he died and the deceased wife Hon. Abbey Ukpukpen completed the tenure after a bye election was conducted in 2018.
In 2019, the seat moved to Utukalu bloc, Utugwang South to be taken for another eight years as had now been agreed by the Obudu political leaders with Late Hon. Goddy Akwaji occupying the seat, history repeated itself, Goddy Akwaji died and his wife Hon. Maria Akwaji completed the first term.
In 2023 general elections, after due consideration by political leaders in Obudu, conclusion was reached that Utugwang South in Utukalu bloc should complete their eight years and that is how the incumbent came into office and is expected that by 2027, the Utukalu must have completed their eight years and power will shift to Bette bloc.
Below is the summary of how the Obudu State Constituency seats has rotated between the two blocs since 1999
A. OTUKALU
1. Hon. Dr. Gabriel Adah(1999 – 2003
2. Hon. Jerry Matin Agba(2007 – 2011)
3. Late Hon. Goddy & Maria Akwaji(2019 – 2023)
4. Rt. Hon. Sylvester Agabi(2023 till date)
TOTAL 16 years
B. OBUDU
1. Hon. Victor Agwu(2003 – 2007
2. Late Rt. Hon. Steve Ukpukpen(2012 – 2015
3. Late Rt. Hon. Steve & Abbey Ukpukpen(2015 – 2019
TOTAL 12 years.
Please, let us go to equity with clean hands.
Obudu State constituency seat is coming back to Bette bloc in 2027.
Note: The Above Publication wasn’t written by calabargist correspondent but a citizen of Obudu
