2027 Elections: Why Cross River Central Deserves Better Than Senator Eteng Williams – NYCN vice president Speaks Out

 Comrade Dan Obo has urged political parties not to re-nominate Senator Eteng Williams for Cross River Central, citing poor performance and failed representation. He advocates for fresh leadership, suggesting Hon. Oden Ewa as a better alternative, and warns that supporting Williams could cost parties the seat in the 2027 elections.

Victoria Omini.

As Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections, political discussions are heating up across the country. In Cross River State, a significant voice has emerged, calling for a change in political representation for the Central Senatorial District. Comrade Dan Obo, a respected youth leader and currently the Special Adviser to Governor Bassey Otu on Youth Mobilization, has strongly criticized the performance of Senator Eteng Jonah Williams and warned political parties, especially the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), against fielding him for re-election.

Speaking during an interactive session with journalists in Calabar on Tuesday, Obo didn’t hold back his views. He expressed deep dissatisfaction with what he termed the “poor leadership” and “ineffective representation” offered by Senator Williams, whom he believes has failed to live up to the legacy of past senators from the district.

According to Comrade Obo, the Central Senatorial District of Cross River has historically been represented by men of class, competence, and influence. He recalled the outstanding reputations of previous senators like Senator John Owan Enoh, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, and Senator Sandy Onor, who were recognized for their oratory skills, legislative impact, and respect in the Senate.

However, Obo lamented that things have taken a downturn with the current senator.

“This is the first time in our history that a senator from Cross River Central has been openly rebuked on the Senate floor,” he said. “The current senator was asked to sit down in chambers. That kind of public embarrassment has never happened to us before.”

Obo stressed that this incident symbolizes the declining prestige of the district in national politics. “When you talk about the likes of Ndoma-Egba and Sandy, you’re talking about senators who commanded respect. They brought pride to our people. What we have now is a different story entirely,” he remarked.

In addition to legislative performance, Comrade Obo highlighted several critical areas where he believes the current senator has failed the constituents. He pointed out the glaring lack of infrastructure, including the absence of a well-equipped hospital in the district, forcing many residents to travel long distances to Calabar for basic healthcare services.

Obo also mentioned several youth development centers that have been abandoned and questioned why, despite the district’s rich natural resources, there has been no meaningful effort to harness them for job creation or economic empowerment.

“How can we have so much potential in our land and still be struggling with unemployment, poor healthcare, and abandoned projects?” he asked. “This is a clear sign of a representative who is not in touch with the people’s needs or unwilling to address them.”

In light of these concerns, Comrade Obo made a passionate appeal to the youth and general electorate in the Central Senatorial District. He urged them to rise and reject the return of ineffective leadership, stating that the district deserves a representative who can genuinely serve and bring about positive change.

“Leadership is not about occupying a seat; it’s about delivering results,” he said. “We need someone who will be accountable, accessible, and visionary.”

He went a step further to endorse a potential alternative: Hon. Oden Ewa, the current Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations. Describing him as fresh, competent, and connected to grassroots realities, Obo encouraged political stakeholders and community members to consider supporting Ewa’s candidacy should he decide to run.

“Hon. Oden Ewa represents a new era of leadership. He understands our challenges, and he has the drive and ideas to address them. He is a man who can restore our dignity at the national level,” Obo affirmed.

Comrade Obo’s message wasn’t only directed at voters — he also had a strong warning for political parties, particularly the APC, which currently controls the Senate seat. He cautioned that supporting Senator Eteng Williams for another term would be a grave mistake and could cost the party the seat entirely.

“If any party makes the error of fielding Senator Williams again, they should be prepared to lose,” Obo declared. “Our people are wiser now. They want change. They want performance. They want someone who truly represents them.”

This statement sends a clear signal to political leaders at the state and national levels: the youths and general electorate are watching closely and are ready to demand better.

As Nigeria gears up for the next round of elections, the political atmosphere in Cross River Central is already charged. Comrade Dan Obo’s bold stance represents a growing sentiment among the youth and other stakeholders — a collective desire to reclaim quality representation and usher in a new era of leadership.

His statements underscore a broader conversation about accountability and political performance. The days when politicians could ride on party platforms without delivering results may be coming to an end, at least in this part of the country. Constituents are increasingly demanding transparency, accessibility, and genuine developmental efforts from their elected leaders.

Obo’s call to action is especially significant coming from someone who not only serves in the current administration but also holds a national position within the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN). His involvement at both state and national levels gives weight to his concerns and shows that this is more than just personal opinion — it is a reflection of broader dissatisfaction within the political base.

The 2027 elections may still be two years away, but the conversation about leadership, performance, and representation has already begun. Comrade Dan Obo’s fearless critique of Senator Eteng Williams and his advocacy for better leadership highlight the importance of political accountability and grassroots mobilization.

As voters in Cross River Central begin to reflect on the last few years, one thing is becoming increasingly clear: the desire for impactful representation is strong. Whether or not the political parties will heed Obo’s warning remains to be seen, but one thing is certain — the electorate is paying attention, and they’re ready to speak with their votes.