The Chairman of Cross River State Youth in Politics for Good Governance, Jerry Odey, has called for credible, competent and people oriented leadership as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections, stressing that young people will no longer support candidates who fail to meet acceptable standards.
Speaking during a press briefing at the Ernest Etim Bassey Press Centre in Calabar on Tuesday, Odey said the forthcoming elections represent a critical moment for both national and sub national leadership, describing youths as key stakeholders who must actively shape the process.
He explained that Youth in Politics is an umbrella platform bringing together young people across political parties and youth organisations in the state, working closely with electoral stakeholders to promote peaceful and credible elections. According to him, the group is committed to ensuring that only candidates with proven integrity, competence and commitment to development emerge through party primaries.
Odey noted that leadership failure in the country has often been traced to poor choices during election periods, adding that young people are now determined to influence outcomes by supporting aspirants who demonstrate capacity and genuine interest in public service. He warned that political parties that impose unpopular or unqualified candidates risk losing the support of the youth population.
He further disclosed that the group has been engaging widely with institutions and stakeholders across the state, advocating for greater inclusion of young people, particularly those with established records in community service, peace building and economic development. He commended the state government for appointing a significant number of youths into the executive council, noting that such inclusion should also reflect in elective positions.
The youth leader also criticised the prolonged stay of some legislators in office, describing it as unhealthy for democratic growth. He argued that the recycling of political office holders limits opportunities for new entrants, especially young people and women, and called for reforms that would encourage broader participation and fairness in representation.
As part of its resolutions, the group unveiled a list of endorsed young aspirants for various national and state legislative positions, stating that the individuals were selected based on merit, leadership track record and their impact on society.
Those endorsed include Hon Oden Ewa for Senate representing Cross River Central Senatorial District, Chief Henry Dennis Bassey for the House of Representatives Abi Yakurr Federal Constituency, Hon Barrister Ijom Ukam for Akamkpa Biase Federal Constituency, Hon Barrister Godwin Offiono for Ogoja Yala Federal Constituency, Hon Victor Abang for Boki Ikom Federal Constituency and Dan Obo Jnr for Obubra Etung Federal Constituency.
Others are Sir John Odo Eru for Yala One State House of Assembly, Mrs Jennifer Michael Usani Ibiang for Yakurr One State House of Assembly, Grace Unah for Yala Two State House of Assembly, Hon Samuel Neji Abang for Ikom One State House of Assembly, Comrade Victor Bassey for Abi State House of Assembly, Phylo Modlin Odu for Boki State House of Assembly, Victor Essien Ekpe for Calabar South Two State House of Assembly and Hon Engineer Thomas Aruku for Ogoja State House of Assembly.
Odey emphasised that the endorsement does not exclude other aspirants but reflects the group’s position on credible leadership, adding that the process was transparent and free from financial inducement. He maintained that the organisation will continue to engage political parties and stakeholders to ensure that youths and women are given fair opportunities in the political space.
He concluded by urging sustained collaboration among political actors, institutions and development partners to strengthen youth participation in governance, expressing optimism that a new generation of leaders can emerge to reposition the state and the country for better outcomes.
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