2027: ICT Expert Enters Reps Race, Laments Decay in Obubra/Etung
By Ebi COLLINS
International ICT consultant and businessman, Dr. Obah Tawo, has declared his intention to contest the Obubra/Etung Federal Constituency seat in the 2027 general elections on the platform of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, while lamenting what he described as years of infrastructural neglect in the area.
Tawo, who hails from Bendeghe in Etung Local Government Area, made his declaration on Thursday in Calabar after what he described as wide consultations with stakeholders, community leaders, and residents across the constituency.
He said the encouragement he received during the consultations strengthened his resolve to offer what he called practical and people focused representation.
“I am stepping forward with a clear sense of duty and commitment to service. This decision is rooted in my resolve to deliver practical solutions and sustainable development that directly impact the lives of our people,” he said.
The ICT expert, who has business interests across several countries, said his ambition is anchored on accountability, service delivery, and measurable impact, adding that he intends to combine grassroots engagement with effective legislative representation.
However, he expressed concern over what he described as the poor state of infrastructure and basic services in Obubra/Etung constituency.
“I have seen the situation across the constituency. When I visit communities in Etung and Obubra, the absence of basic amenities is glaring, including road networks, healthcare, industrialisation, and youth employment. There is so much lacking,” he said.
He noted that poor road infrastructure has made it difficult for farmers to access their farmlands, while economic activities remain constrained due to weak connectivity.
“Mothers and their babies face serious challenges accessing healthcare and even education. If any society must industrialise, access is key and road infrastructure is fundamental,” he added.
Tawo also raised concerns over recurring public health challenges, linking them to limited access to clean water in several communities.
“It is unfortunate that in 2026, many communities still lack access to clean water. We have recorded cases of cholera outbreaks. Access to clean water is a basic human right, yet it remains a challenge,” he said.
On economic development, he highlighted the untapped potential of cocoa and other agricultural products in the area, lamenting that farmers are still largely engaged in raw production without value addition.
“We are blessed with cocoa, cassava, and other resources, yet we export raw cocoa while others process it into finished products. Why can’t we industrialise what we have? That is how to tackle unemployment, restiveness, and insecurity,” he stated.
He pledged to prioritise healthcare, infrastructure, education, agriculture, power supply, and water access if elected.
“I will support the upgrade of primary healthcare centres, facilitate regular medical outreach programmes, and attract federal health projects. I will also pursue the rehabilitation of key roads to connect our communities to economic opportunities,” he said.
On education, he promised to support school renovation, provision of learning materials, teacher development, and improved access to federal grants and intervention programmes.
Tawo also pledged transparent and inclusive representation, announcing plans for a constituency digital portal to monitor projects and ensure accountability.
“Within my first days in office, we will launch a platform where citizens can monitor projects, contractors, and timelines. We will also hold quarterly town hall meetings to ensure the people remain part of governance,” he said.
Explaining his choice of the ADC, he said the party represents a credible alternative for a new generation of leadership, noting that many Nigerians are dissatisfied with the current political structure.
“I believe in leadership that is present, accountable, and people driven. My goal is not just to represent, but to ensure the voices of our people are reflected in national decision making,” he said.
Tawo’s declaration, which took place in his hometown of Bendeghe Ekiem, attracted strong local support, with plans underway to extend consultations to Obubra in the coming days.
