By Efio-Ita Nyok, Ph.D
The Cross River State Government has recently announced its intention to conduct the long-awaited local government elections, and expectations are high across the 18 local government areas (LGA) and 196 wards. As an APC-dominated state, with Governor Bassey Otu at the helm and the state legislature fully under APC control, there are growing rumors that the governor may seek to claim all 18 executive chair seats and 196 ward councillor positions for his party. This raises concerns over the fairness of the electoral process and the democratic principles Governor Otu campaigned on—his “Peoples First” mantra, which resonated deeply with voters.
Governor Otu must remember that his “Peoples First” campaign was anchored on putting the interests of Cross Riverians above personal or partisan gains. Democracy is about giving people a choice and empowering them through free and fair elections. To sweep all LGA chairmanship and ward councillor seats for the ruling APC would not only contradict his stated principles but also risk undermining the trust that voters placed in him. It is a slippery slope from being a people’s champion to becoming the face of tyranny and injustice. Governor Otu himself experienced political exclusion when a former Cross River governor undemocratically deprived him of a second term bid to the Senate. He should not allow history to repeat itself, this time with him as the antagonist.
In this light, it is commendable that the governor has decided to review the prohibitive costs of the forms for LGA elections. Initially set at 5 million Naira for chairmanship forms and 1 million Naira for councillor forms, the governor’s revision to 1 million Naira and 200,000 Naira respectively is a significant gesture toward democratizing the process. This decision not only makes the election more accessible to a broader pool of candidates but also reflects a commitment to ensuring that leadership at the grassroots is not limited to the wealthy elite. By reducing the financial barriers to participation, Governor Otu has taken a positive step toward inclusivity, enabling more qualified individuals to contest for office and serve their communities.
The call by the 17 opposition political parties under the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) for fairness is not a cry for undue advantage but a reminder that they, too, contributed to Governor Otu’s electoral victory. They worked for a democratic outcome, and as such, they have a legitimate expectation that their members will be allowed a fair chance to contest and win seats in the local government elections. True leadership means embracing pluralism, not stifling it. A one-party sweep would raise red flags and taint the integrity of the election.
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Additionally, the role of the Cross River State Independent Electoral Commission (CROSIEC) in this process cannot be overstated. CROSIEC, in recent engagements with IPAC, made promises of conducting a free, fair, and credible election. This is the time for them to prove that their words were not just political rhetoric. They must rise to the occasion by maintaining transparency in the election process, allowing equal access to the electoral field for all political parties, and ensuring that the will of the people truly prevails.
The integrity of Cross River State’s democratic institutions is at stake. Governor Otu, in collaboration with CROSIEC, has an opportunity to set a precedent of fairness and justice that will stand the test of time. He must resist the temptation to grab power and instead focus on fostering a healthy, competitive political environment where the best candidates emerge based on merit and the will of the people. Anything less would undermine the democratic fabric of the state.
Dr Efio-Ita Nyok is a social commentator. He writes from Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria.
