2027: 10 Solid Reasons Obubra/Etung Should Support Friday Gabriel Okpechi and PDP

As political activities gradually intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections, supporters of Rt. Hon. Friday Gabriel Okpechi have outlined 10 reasons why voters in the Obubra/Etung Federal Constituency of Cross River State should consider backing him and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The supporters argue that the constituency needs a representative with legislative experience, a development-oriented agenda and the capacity to attract federal interventions to the area.

Okpechi, who previously served in the Cross River State House of Assembly and represented Obubra I State Constituency, is also being presented by his supporters as an experienced politician with knowledge of legislative processes and constituency representation.

According to the group, their case for Okpechi is based on the following:

1. Legislative experience

The supporters believe Okpechi’s previous experience in the Cross River State House of Assembly gives him an understanding of lawmaking, government processes and constituency representation.

They argue that such experience would give him an advantage if elected to the Federal House of Representatives.

2. Representation should deliver results

The group says representation should go beyond political office and focus on addressing the practical challenges facing residents.

They identified roads, electricity, water supply, education, healthcare, agriculture and economic opportunities as areas requiring stronger advocacy at the federal level.

3. Agriculture as an economic opportunity

With Obubra and Etung regarded as agricultural communities, the supporters say agriculture should become a major driver of economic development in the constituency.

They want greater advocacy for federal agricultural programmes, financing, modern inputs, storage facilities, processing centres and improved access to markets.

According to them, these interventions could help farmers move beyond subsistence production and build more profitable agricultural businesses.

4. Youth empowerment and job creation

The supporters also placed youth empowerment among their priorities, arguing that the future of the constituency depends significantly on creating opportunities for young people.

They proposed vocational training, entrepreneurship programmes, ICT initiatives, agricultural opportunities, skills acquisition and access to federal employment and intervention programmes.

5. Education and scholarships

The group said education should remain a major priority for whoever represents Obubra/Etung.

They called for greater advocacy for scholarships, skills development, improved educational infrastructure and opportunities for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

6. Infrastructure development

According to the supporters, the constituency requires visible and sustainable infrastructure projects.

They identified roads, bridges, electricity, water and healthcare facilities among the areas where federal intervention could make a significant difference.

They said the emphasis should be on projects that directly improve the lives of residents and can be properly maintained.

7. One constituency, one people

The supporters also called for unity across political, ethnic and community lines.

They stressed that supporting Okpechi should not translate into hostility towards people who belong to other political parties.

Instead, they said any elected representative should be expected to unite the people of Obubra and Etung and serve residents regardless of their political affiliations.

8. A stronger voice at the national level

The group believes Obubra/Etung needs a representative capable of effectively presenting the constituency’s concerns at the National Assembly.

They said an effective federal lawmaker should be able to pursue appropriate government interventions and build relationships with relevant federal institutions to advance the interests of constituents.

9. PDP’s political structure

The supporters also cited the PDP’s established political structure as an advantage for Okpechi.

They noted that Okpechi contested the 2023 House of Representatives election for Obubra/Etung on the PDP platform, arguing that his familiarity with the party could provide an established political vehicle through which constituency interests could be pursued.

However, they maintained that the party and candidate should ultimately be judged by what they can deliver to the people.

10. The future of Obubra/Etung

The supporters said the 2027 election should ultimately be about the future of the constituency rather than personalities, propaganda or party rivalry.

They argued that voters should consider the experience, vision, capacity and commitment of candidates before making their choice.

“For supporters of Rt. Hon. Friday Gabriel Okpechi, his legislative background and development-focused agenda provide reasons why he deserves another opportunity to represent the people of Obubra/Etung,” the group said.

As the 2027 elections draw closer, the contest for the Obubra/Etung Federal Constituency is expected to generate further political debate, with candidates and their supporters likely to present competing visions for the constituency.