Obubra Youth Renaissance Declares Political Showdown, Mobilises Against Rep Etaba’s Fourth Term
By Ekanem Asuquo
The political temperature in Obubra and Etung Federal Constituency has risen sharply as Obubra Youth Renaissance, a vocal sociopolitical group, has openly declared its determination to stop Hon Mike Etaba from securing a fourth term in the House of Representatives.
The group, led by Coordinator Sampson Ojogbor and Secretary Comrade Egba Johnson Egba, said their position is rooted in what they described as long running political neglect, self centred leadership and a widening disconnect between the lawmaker and the people.
They reminded the electorate that Etaba has been in the Green Chamber since 2015 when he succeeded Senator John Owan Enoh, adding that his prolonged stay has not translated into meaningful progress for the constituency.
Speaking after a consultative meeting, the group announced its resolve to activate all legitimate political structures, alliances and mobilisation channels to ensure that Etaba does not return in 2027.
They insisted that the constituency must reclaim its political direction and give room for a new face with fresh commitment to development.
The youth leaders argued that Etaba’s fourth term ambition is an affront to fairness and political equity.
According to them, by 2027 he would have completed 12 years in the House of Representatives, and the seat should rotate to Etung in line with the principles of inclusion and power balance within the constituency.
They accused the lawmaker of abandoning all those who supported his earlier political rise, alleging that he has used the mandate to empower only himself and his family.
The group noted that his decade in office has produced no major constituency project that reflects the needs and aspirations of the people of Obubra and Etung.
The group also criticised what they described as Etaba’s boasts that he knows how to win elections by buying over key stakeholders each election season. They alleged that he ignores the youths and grassroots supporters because he believes they do not control delegates or votes.
They further accused him of depending heavily on connections within Government House to secure his ticket, insisting that he treats the House of Representatives position as a bargaining instrument to advance his personal interests.
On security and humanitarian issues, the Obubra Youth Renaissance expressed disappointment that the lawmaker has not taken meaningful steps to address recurring internal border clashes in Obubra. They said he has neither championed long term peace efforts nor facilitated emergency relief materials for victims, and when minimal intervention comes, it is packaged as part of his constituency projects.
With these grievances clearly stated, Ojogbor and Egba declared that the group has adopted a firm political stance. They insisted that Rep Mike Etaba must not return on the platform of the All Progressives Congress in the 2027 election.
They vowed to embark on constituency wide mobilisation, coalition building and sustained political engagement to ensure the emergence of a representative who is accessible, development driven and genuinely committed to the welfare of Obubra and Etung.
The declaration by Obubra Youth Renaissance sets the stage for what may become one of the most intense political battles in the build up to 2027.
Several calls put across the Hon. Mike Etaba could not be returned at the time of going to the press.
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