By Kelvin Obambon
As 2027 general elections draw near, Comrade Dan Obo, Special Adviser to Governor Bassey Otu on Youth Mobilization and National Vice President, South-South Zone of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), has cautioned political parties, especially the All Progressives Congress (APC) against considering Senator Eteng Williams for re-election in Cross River Central Senatorial District.
Speaking during an interactive session with some journalists in Calabar on Tuesday, Obo criticized Senator Williams for what he described as poor performance and lack of effective representation. He lamented the declining standard of leadership in the district, contrasting it with previous senators who were known for their class and impactful contributions. According to him, this is the first time a senator from the district has been publicly rebuked in the Senate chambers, signaling a significant drop in respect and influence.
“The standard has gone down. There’s nothing to pretend. In the history of Cross River, Central Senatorial District has always produced senators that have class.
“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. This is the first time.
“They never did it to John. They never did it to Ndoma-Egba. They never did it to Sandy.”
Obo highlighted the district’s unmet needs, such as the absence of a good hospital and abandoned youth centers, emphasizing that constituents still travel to Calabar for basic healthcare. He also criticized the limited developmental projects and questioned the senator’s ability to exploit the district’s natural resources and create jobs.
The governor’s aide urged youths and residents to reject Senator Williams in the forthcoming elections, stating that the district deserves a representative who embodies leadership, accountability, and tangible progress. He appealed to the Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, Hon. Oden Ewa, to consider running, saying he is a fresh and competent candidate to restore the district’s dignity.
Obo concluded that any party endorsing Williams risks losing the Central Senatorial District seat in 2027.