2027: EGBONA, OSOGI, GAUL, EDU TEST STRENGTH, INFLUENCE IN ABI/YAKURR REPS TICKET
By Ebi COLLINS
The political atmosphere in the Abi/Yakurr Federal Constituency of Cross River State is gradually gathering momentum as the 2027 general elections draw closer.
Within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), the four prominent figures have tacitly declared to their intention to contest the House of Representatives seat; a race that promises to be one of the most intense internal battles in the state’s political calendar.
Those in the ring include Hon. Dr. Alex Egbona, the incumbent member representing Abi/Yakurr in the National Assembly; Dr. Betta Edu, former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and erstwhile APC National Women Leader; Rt. Hon. John Gaul Lebo, former Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly; and Hon. Moses John Osogi, the current Commissioner for Environment in the state.
Though all are members of the ruling party, the contest for the APC ticket is already shaping into a strategic and personality-driven battle for supremacy, influence, and local dominance.
Egbona and Power of Incumbency
Dr. Alex Egbona, now serving his second term in the House of Representatives, enters the 2027 race with the advantage of incumbency and a visible record of constituency projects across Abi and Yakurr. Known for his accessibility and deep ties with local party structures, Egbona remains a formidable contender with a loyal grassroots following.
His supporters describe him as “a man of the people”, citing projects such as rural electrification, school rehabilitation, and market interventions executed under his tenure. Yet, his critics argue that the pace of development in the constituency still falls below expectations.
The once described "ATM" during his heydays as chief of Staff to former Governor Liyel Imoke, still commands some reasonable influence in Yakurr and His immediate community of Ekureku, where he is seen as "Lord of the Manor". His support base in Ugep, especially, still remains intact while political capital built over the years can be tapered into when the chips are down. He has the financial war chest to prosecute his election.
For Egbona, the immediate challenge is not so much the general election but surviving what insiders describe as “an incoming political ambush” within his own party. Seeking for a third term ticket in a society were political power is seen and rotational among the various communities that make the federal constituency is often highly resisted.
Even if it should remain in Abi, some political bigwigs want the power shift to another zone within Abi. Abi is made up of three tripod stand of Agbo, Bahumono and Imabana. Since Egbona from Agbo has served for three terms and has held other sensitive positions before going to NASS in 2019, it behoves other communities of Bahumono and Imabana to also taste power in 2027.
Besides, the primary election is likely to feature powerful challengers backed by different layers of the APC establishment. If the rumour making the rounds that a powerful interest group close to seat of power in Calabar is kicking against their term and rather rooting for a fresh hand, then Egbona has a big hurdle to cross.
Again, Egbona, who used to be the darling of powerful stakeholders, seems to be losing grip because of some powerful interests. Some of his grassroots die-hard supporters are equally shifting base to a new emerging power block. He needs to recreate the magic wand that made him win the by-election. However, toying with Egbona political machine, could spell doom for APC in Abi
Betta Edu’s Comeback Bid
Former Minister Dr. Betta Edu is another heavyweight whose entry will reshape the political calculations in Abi/Yakurr. As a one-time commissioner for health, National Women Leader of the APC and later a federal minister, Edu commands national visibility and wide-reaching influence within party circles.
Her admirers see her as “a bridge between local aspiration and national access”, arguing that her position in Abuja affords her unique leverage to attract development to the constituency. She is a great mobilise, a grassroots woman who has impacted positively on women with her community.. Edu knows how to use power of given the opportunity because she can navigate all books and crannies to attract development to her people. She is described in some circle as "political bulldozer" who can beat protect women interest in a male dominated political environment. Above all, Edu is generous with cash and has some social and political capital in her favour.
However, medical doctor-turned politician re-entry comes amid public scrutiny following her controversial suspension from office earlier in 2024. Amid the scandal, Edu has maintained her innocence, insisting that she remains committed to transparent service and youth empowerment.
Analysts believe that if she secures the APC ticket, her nationwide network and high media profile could make her one of the most talked-about candidates in the 2027 polls. But it will a little difficult for her to push through in an election that involves high intrigues and make chauvinistic society. However, Edu greatest challenge will be finance in a society where election most times is seen as "cash-and-carry."
John Gaul’s Return to Trenches
For John Gaul Lebo, former Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, the 2027 contest may mark a return to electoral politics after years of legislative and legal consultancy. A respected figure in Abi politics and known for his grassroots engagement, Gaul brings with him years of institutional experience and legislative understanding.
He is credited with building a strong support base among ward chairmen and political elders, particularly in Abi Local Government Area where his political influence remains strong. He is a sound legal practitioner, very intelligent and has lots of institutional memory that is needed for national legislation and governance. He has of recent been roaming some people at the corridor of power, perhaps tacitly tasting the rough waters of electioneering ahead of 2027.
Observers say Gaul’s biggest advantage lies in his local acceptance and organisational skill. However, he must navigate an APC field that is already crowded with nationally-connected aspirants and state government insiders. Besides, finance is the biggest obstacle to Gaul's ambition, except the power-that-be see him a one of their new loyalists and then chose him to represent their interests this time. His critics say Gaul is not "free with cash" and wonders how he can prosecute such an a "high stake election without being generous with cash."
Moses Osogi As New Breed
The fourth aspirant, Moses John Osogi, currently serves as Cross River State Commissioner for Environment under Governor Bassey Otu’s administration. His emergence adds a fresh dimension to the race, blending administrative experience with the perceived backing of the state executive. He is from Anong community, minority group in Bahumono/Edina axis. His community need a voice like him to speak for the minorities across their federal constituency..
Osogi has been visible in environmental projects across the state. Political watchers say he enjoys goodwill among party loyalists who align closely with the governor’s “People First” agenda.
Should the governor’s camp decide to back a preferred candidate, Osogi could benefit significantly from such endorsement, though it might also attract accusations of imposition from rival camps.
He needs to wake up and fight like other aspirants rather than backing on some powerful friends at the corridors of power in Calabar. But he is not a push over as some people may think. He has the youths support and some politicians have started navigating to this side. He is seen as a member of new generation and can fill the gap between old and new generation in Abi. And left alone, he will be swallowed by "big boys" in Abi-Yakurr, who don't want to let go of power. But he does not have the financial muscle to pull through except miracle happens.
Bottoms line
With all four aspirants contesting under the same platform, the 2027 APC primary in Abi/Yakurr is expected to be a fierce internal contest. Unlike in previous election cycles where cross-party battles defined the contest, this time the fight is clearly within the family as it going to be a contest of personalities, networks, and loyalties.
Political analysts predict that the choice of nomination method, whether direct or indirect primaries, will play a decisive role. A direct primary could favour candidates with wider public appeal, like Edu and Egbona, while an indirect delegate-based process might benefit those with stronger control over local party structures and connection such as Gaul and Osogi.
The Cross River APC leadership is also expected to play a major role. If the state leadership or the governor endorses a consensus aspirant, it could swiftly alter the balance of power. But any attempt to impose a candidate could spark internal friction and weaken party unity ahead of the general elections.
The battle for the Abi/Yakurr seat is shaping up as a test of strength between incumbency, federal prominence, grassroots legitimacy, and executive influence; all within the same ruling party. Whoever triumphs in the APC primary will not only carry the party’s flag but also the burden of healing possible divisions that such a heavyweight contest is bound to leave behind.
