2027: Abang Under Fire as Heavyweights Line-Up for Ikom/Boki Seat
By Missang AKPET
As the All Progressives Congress gears up for the Ikom/Boki Federal Constituency contest, several political heavyweights have emerged to challenge incumbent lawmaker Victor Abang, framing their bid as a rescue mission for the constituency.
The leading contenders are Hilary Ekpang Bisong, Barr. Tina Banku Agbor, Prince Joseph Enu, Cletus Obun, and Engr. Dane Osim Asu.
Each brings a different political profile to the race, but many voters in the constituency say they’re still unclear on exactly what they need to be rescued from.
THE CHALLENGERS
Hilary Ekpang Bisong
The current member representing Boki II in the Cross River State House of Assembly and Chief Whip is seeking to move to the federal level after serving three terms in the assembly.
Critics argue that despite his long tenure, tangible development remains limited, with campaign jingles often cited as the most visible output of his representation.
Some also criticize him as the son of former UNICAL Vice Chancellor Prof. Florence Obi, arguing that it shouldn’t always be the same family holding office.
Bisong has rolled out a “One-Term Covenant” campaign. He argues that Ikom/Boki residents are “no longer hungry for speeches” but for basic infrastructure and opportunities, which he says the incumbent has failed to deliver. He pledged to serve only one term if elected, framing it as a commitment to focus on delivery rather than political longevity.
Tina Banku Agbor
Former Secretary to the State Government under ex-governor Ben Ayade, Agbor enters with an extensive résumé and a polished political profile. However, when asked about landmark projects or impacts during her time in office, many constituents say they struggle to point to specific achievements.
Prince Joseph Enu (Joe-Nu)
Director of the Cross River Waste Management Agency, Enu is widely seen as a political neophyte. He’s campaigning on grassroots involvement and capacity.
Most constituents view him as someone testing the waters and building name recognition rather than mounting a serious bid for the seat.
It was yet to be ascertained at press time whether Enu had resigned from his position as Director, as required for all aspirants. No public document confirming this was available.
Engr. Dane Osim Asu
Former member representing Boki I in the State House of Assembly and former Commissioner for Works. An engineer and Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) and the Nigerian Institute of Mechanical Engineers (NiMechE).
He contested for the Ikom/Boki seat under APC in 2023 but lost in the primaries. He disputed the result, saying his name and votes were allocated without his participation.
He is returning for the 2026/2027 cycle, hoping to rival Abang and the other contenders.
Cletus Obun
Known for his command of language and frequent appearances as a public commentator, Obun’s oratory skills have earned him a reputation as a formidable speaker. Analysts note, however, that electoral success in Nigeria often hinges more on grassroots structure and street credibility than rhetoric.
He is a former member of the Cross River State House of Assembly, former Vice Chairman for APC Central Senatorial District, former State Chairman of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Cross River, and former Special Adviser on Strategic Communications to Governor Ben Ayade.
If politics of intellectualism and oratory were the deciding factors, Obun would be a round peg in a round hole. His main hurdle is weak grassroots mobilization.
THE CASE OF THE INCUMBENT
Victor Abang, the current representative, is completing his first term in the National Assembly.
While not without criticism, his supporters point to visible constituency engagement, projects, and accessibility as evidence of a more grounded approach. “Politics is not a beauty pageant for saints,” one constituent told BEAGLE NEWS. “In just three years, Abang has left footprints that even critics acknowledge.”
Several constituents say that when comparing scorecards, Abang’s record appears more concrete than the combined record of the challengers, even though his availability in the constituency and grassroots engagement are frequently criticized.
THE RACE AHEAD
With primaries approaching, the APC contest in Ikom/Boki is shaping up as a clash between incumbency and experience against calls for a fresh start.
For voters, the central question is whether to stick with the incumbent’s track record or back one of the challengers promising a different approach as supporters begin to align and realign.
One factor to watch is rotation. Rumors persist that the seat may rotate to Ikom, which could affect who contests and how long they stay.
Meanwhile, rumors also claim that one contender has been handpicked and backed by higher powers as the preferred APC candidate for the seat.
