APC Shared Commonwealth of 18 LGAs Among 17, Excluded Obubra — Okpechi

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for Obubra/Etung Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Friday Gabriel Okpechi, has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) administration in Cross River State of marginalising Obubra Local Government Area.

Okpechi made the allegation on Sunday in Apiapum, Obubra Local Government Area, while receiving defectors from the APC, African Democratic Congress (ADC) and New Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) into the PDP.

The defectors were led by several political figures from different wards in the council area, including Mr. Egom Iyamba Okpa, popularly known as Okokon Ndem; former Ofodua Ward Councillor, Hon. Abeng Philip Ayo, also known as Spark the Spark; Comrade Victor Adekpe Oden, popularly called Aremo; Pastor Collins Ayami; Comrade Okpechi Emperor; Chief Oyom Mbina; former ADC Women Leader in Ochon Ward, Mrs. Mary Joseph Akwa; and former APC Ochon Ward Secretary, Comrade Akwa Ntui Imoh.

Speaking at King’s Bar, Apiapum, Okpechi described the defections as “just the tip of the iceberg”, while welcoming the new members into the PDP.

He alleged that Obubra had been deliberately excluded from the distribution of government projects and accused the APC administration of failing to give the local government area adequate representation in the state’s development plans.

According to him, Obubra was not consulted during the recent APC party primaries, while none of the 16 projects recently announced by the state government was located in the LGA.

“Three to four years and not even a single project for Obubra. You cannot share the commonwealth of 18 LGAs among 17 and exclude Obubra,” Okpechi said.

“This is not about party anymore. This is about Obubra.”

The PDP candidate further claimed that the visible projects in Obubra were executed by previous PDP administrations, insisting that the APC had failed to demonstrate what he described as tangible commitment to the people of the area.

He urged residents to reject what he described as continued marginalisation, saying Obubra’s interests must be prioritised in both state and national affairs.

Okpechi also expressed confidence that the PDP would return to power in Cross River State and secure victories in the National Assembly elections.

“PDP will take over Cross River State and the National Assembly,” he declared, adding that “Obubra’s rights must be given to Obubra.”

He pledged that, if elected to represent the Obubra/Etung Federal Constituency, the two local government areas would not be sidelined.

“Obubra and Etung will never be toyed with under my representation. They must be given their rightful place in both state and national affairs,” he said.

The event was attended by the PDP candidate for Obubra 1 State Constituency, Barr. James Aneji; PDP Chapter Chairman, Hon. Thomas Mbina; Chapter Secretary, Hon. Jacob Edoma; former councillor representing Ofat Ward, Hon. Sofina; and other party leaders and supporters.