In advance of the 2027 general elections, a youth advocacy group called Cross River State Youth in Politics for Good Governance has endorsed 14 candidates for a variety of state and federal electoral offices.
During their primaries, the group asked political parties to give preference to candidates who are reliable and capable.
Jerry Odey, the group’s chairman, made the announcement of the endorsements on Tuesday while giving a briefing to reporters at the Ernest Bassey Press Center in Calabar. He said that the decision was made after thorough discussions with stakeholders around the state.
According to Odey, the group, which he defined as an umbrella organization for young people who are politically engaged regardless of their political affiliation, made the decision to intervene early in the election process in order to affect the rise of trustworthy leaders.
“Young people, who make up a large portion of the voting population, must speak with one voice as the 2027 elections approach to ensure that only competent, credible, and people-oriented individuals emerge as candidates,” he stated.
He cautioned political parties against forcing unpopular candidates on voters, pointing out that doing so would cost them the favor of younger voters.
“Young people should not support any party that fields candidates that do not reflect the aspirations of the people. We’re dedicated to helping people who have demonstrated success in public service, community development, and leadership,” Odey continued.
The youth leader criticized extended terms in legislative posts and demanded changes to combat the “recycling of lawmakers.”
People staying in state or national assemblies for decades is not democratic. This approach hinders the development of our democracy and restricts chances for youth,” he stated.
He called on the state administration and political players to assist young candidates in party primaries in order to convert the increasing number of youth appointments into elected posts.
Oden Ewa for the Cross River Central Senatorial District, Godwin Offiono for the Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency, Henry Dennis Bassey for the Abi/Yakurr Federal Constituency, and Ijom Ukam for the Akamkpa/Biase Federal Constituency are among those who have been approved.
Other candidates include John Odo Eru for Yala I State Constituency, Jennifer Usani Ibiang for Yakurr I, Victor Abang for Boki/Ikom Federal Constituency, Dan Obo Jr. for Obubra/Etung Federal Constituency, and Grace Unah for Yala II.
Victor Bassey for Abi State Constituency, Phylo Modlin Odu for Boki, Victor Essien Ekpe for Calabar South II, Thomas Aruku for Ogoja State Constituency, and Samuel Neji Abang for Ikom I are also on the list.
In order to guarantee that women and young people have more opportunities in the 2027 elections, the group stated that it would keep interacting with political parties, public servants, and other interested parties.
