…promises people-driven representation
By Patrick Abang
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Published on September 9, 2026
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4 min read
Comrade Ededem Hogan, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for the Akpabuyo/Bakassi/Calabar South Federal Constituency, has called on the people of Akpabuyo to unite behind his candidacy, describing the 2027 general election as an opportunity to end the local government area’s more than two decades of exclusion from the federal legislative seat.
It would be recalled that Akpabuyo/Bakassi/Calabar Federal Constituency has been dominated by Calabar South. The incumbent member, Hon. Joseph Bassey, has taken one term, and the former member, Apostle Essien Aye, spent four terms
Hogan disclosed this on Wednesday during a meeting with the 10 ward chairmen and other party leaders in Akpabuyo, where he urged them to intensify grassroots mobilisation and work towards a decisive victory for the NDC across the constituency.
“For over 24 years, Akpabuyo has never produced a representative for this federal constituency,” Hogan said. “In spite of the fact that this local government is one of the key local governments in this constituency, the food basket of this constituency, we have not done well to produce a representative.
“This is our time. Akpabuyo has been denied for too long. I am here because of you, and I will represent all of you effectively.”
The candidate said his ambition was not merely to secure the seat but to establish a new standard of representation anchored on accessibility, consultation and accountability to constituents.
“I am the candidate that will listen to you. I am the candidate that will consult with you. I am the candidate that will remain accessible after election day,” he pledged.
Hogan described his covenant with the people as “a representation that works for everyone,” stressing that public office should serve the wider community rather than a privileged few.
“Gone are the days that you have a representative whose only impact or project is scanty cash handouts during election season. We are tired of the politics of a few cups of rice and of one-size-fits-all empowerment,” he said.
He explained that his approach to constituency development would be driven by the priorities identified by communities themselves, rather than interventions imposed without adequate consultation.
“Our promise is that we will sit together and decide the kind of empowerment that will work for every one of you. Be it intervention against gully erosion, be it support to our farmers, be it empowerment of our traders or our fishermen, be it renovation or construction of primary schools, or provision of health centres. It will be things that matter most to the people of Akpabuyo.”
The NDC candidate further urged party leaders to take his message to every village and polling unit, while appealing for prayers, support and votes ahead of the election.
“I want to solicit your prayers. I want to solicit your support, and most importantly, I want to ask for your vote.
“Tell our people that our son is here to represent us. Let our people know that indeed, this is our time.”
Responding, the NDC Akpabuyo Chapter Chairman, Hon. Ekpenyong Bassey, expressed confidence in Hogan’s candidacy, describing him as a candidate with the capacity, experience and passion to change the narrative of representation in the constituency.
Bassey said the party leadership was delighted that Akpabuyo had an opportunity to produce a representative after more than two decades, and pledged the commitment of party officers and stakeholders to mobilise support for the NDC in the 2027 general election.
Other party leaders who spoke at the meeting reaffirmed their loyalty to the party and their commitment to Hogan’s candidacy. They also called for the provision of a befitting chapter secretariat, campaign materials and other logistical support to strengthen grassroots mobilisation.
