The Battle for Obubra/Etung: A Constituency at Crossroads

Ebi COLLINS

As the 2027 general elections draw closer, the political climate in the Obubra/Etung federal constituency is heating up in unprecedented ways. What once seemed like a predictable political terrain has evolved into an arena of shifting allegiances, generational contestations, and intense scrutiny of track records. For the first time in many years, the constituency appears poised for a major political reset. At the centre of this evolving drama are familiar and emerging actors, each with strengths, weaknesses, and political backstories that could shape the outcome of what may become one of the most defining legislative contests in Cross River State.

 MIKE ETABA

For Hon. Mike Etaba, the incumbent and three-term member of the House of Representatives, 2027 feels less like a routine re-election bid and more like a referendum on his 12-year stay in the green chamber. Although Etaba has survived previous political storms, the tide this time is unmistakably different. Across the constituency, youths, elders, women, and community and opinion leaders, the agitation is growing on the urgent need for a “change of baton.”

Critics argue that Etaba’s legislative footprint is thin, describing him as a near-silent voice in Nigeria’s lawmaking lower chamber. His empowerment programmes, they insist, lack creativity, needs assessment, and long-term value.

Beyond performance concerns, Etaba’s political style, often characterized by last-minute generosity and targeted patronage, appears out of tune with Governor Bassey Otu’s merit-driven political philosophy. Under the Otu dispensation, the old formula of inducement and “aligned stakeholders” may no longer guarantee victory. If this reading is accurate, Etaba could be heading toward an exit door long foreseen but never truly acknowledged.

 HENRY EGBE AYUK

Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk, the current Commissioner for Health, stands out as one of the strongest contenders and arguably the most experienced. A Bendeghe-born medical doctor with deep roots in governance, Ayuk’s political résumé stretches back to the early 1990s when he served as Chairman of the old Ikom Local Government. His performance in the health sector, widely hailed as transformative, has amplified his popularity. With strong grassroots appeal and credibility, Ayuk is seen by many as the candidate best positioned to restore the constituency’s waning legislative relevance.

Yet, despite his towering credentials, Ayuk faces a generational dilemma. Younger politicians believe it is time for power to shift to their cohort. To them, Ayuk represents the “old order,” even though his supporters insist he has the vitality and vision required for modern legislative engagement. They argue that his experience is exactly what the constituency needs to end the era of “trial and error” representation. The question is whether Ayuk can bridge the generational divide and consolidate a coalition strong enough to secure the ticket

Another snag against Ayu is that he is “not free with cash,” which is one of the conditions to contesting elective position such as Reps. The argument in some quarters is that if he does not give, is it when he goes to NASS? Are you sure he will change overnight?

 GEORGE ABANG

George Abang, a businessman with growing political visibility, is another aspirant testing the depth of the waters. Backed by influential interests, including the DG of Synage Agency, Abang is deploying people-oriented projects to introduce himself across the constituency. His major flaw remains his limited grassroots presence. Critics describe his sudden philanthropic gestures as an election-time smokescreen, warning that he risks burning out if he continues at a sprint in what is clearly a long-distance race. 

 PRINCE NTUI OGAR (Ahmed)

Prince Ntui Ogar, popularly known as Ahmed, remains one of the most unpredictable aspirants in the race. Having challenged Etaba for the ticket in 2023, he understands the terrain well. His political instincts are sharp, but his acceptability is questionable. In Obubra, many remain unsettled by his decision to drag Etaba to the tribunal. In Etung, some consider him “slippery,” a politician whose ambitions outpace his reliability.

Yet, Ogar cannot be ignored. His political network is deep, and as 2023 demonstrated, he has the capacity to outmaneuver bigger names. If the current political fluidity continues, Ogar may once again find a pathway to the ticket.

 AMBA OGAR

The former Secretary of the Etung Traditional Rulers Council and recently dissolved Cocoa Allocation Committee, Amba Ogar, is another name in circulation. While he enjoys some support among traditional council circles, his reputation is weighed down by allegations of usurping powers as Cocoa Committee Secretary and involvement in racketeering, a situation that continues to generate disputes among cocoa allottees. To many in Etung, giving him another opportunity could be a costly gamble.

 GILBERT NTUI AGBOR

Gilbert Agbor, the Governor’s Special Adviser on Asset Recovery and Management, represents the boldest face of the new generation. With a background in students’ unionism, media management, and investment promotion, Agbor has built a reputation for discipline, transparency, and accessibility.

Though he insists he is not in the race, stakeholders, especially young politicians, are urging him to run. His matrilineal ties to Obubra and strong acceptance among Etung youths make him one of the naturally unifying figures in the constituency. He is hands are “free with cash” and he is always showing empathy. He operates an open door police, down to earth and loyal to his friends. The young generation of politicians see him as a bridge between old and new breed politicians.

However, Agbor’s seeming lack of interest raises questions about his viability in a race. His supporters believe strong networks and goodwill could compensate for that. But navigating the entrenched interests and political gatekeepers of Peregrino House would require deftness beyond idealism. Still, Agbor’s emergence has altered the political equation, adding a fresh dimension to the generational debate.

 PETER EGBA

Peter Egba, a former Commissioner under the Ayade administration, is known but not necessarily popular. While he retains ties with the Ayade political family, his grassroots influence remains thin. He is not “free with cash” and not at home with his generation.Should Obubra retain the seat, Egba may attempt a run, but without resources or a structured support base, his chances appear slim, especially with Etaba’s long grip on local political structures.

 JOHNSON EBOKPO JNR

The current Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation Development, Johnson Ebokpo Jr., shares similar weaknesses with Egba. His political strength is heavily tied to his parents’ legacy, his mother’s grassroots mobilization and his father’s reputable civil service career. On his own, however, he has yet to establish a distinct political identity. Many observers see him more as a placeholder aspirant than a serious contender, unless a major political realignment occurs.

 Conclusion

The Obubra/Etung 2027 race is shaping up to be a litmus test for the constituency’s political maturity. At stake is not just who occupies the seat, but what kind of leadership the people want: experience or youthfulness, stability or experimentation, established structures or emerging forces.

With the Otu administration signaling preference for competence over political entitlement, the coming months will determine whether the constituency continues with familiar face or embraces a new order.