Something unusual is beginning to stir in the political atmosphere of Ikom/Boki Federal Constituency.
Not the regular season of handshakes, posters, and recycled promises, but a fresh argument built around equity, political balance, and the growing frustration of a people who believe they have stayed too long on the sidelines of power.
That atmosphere grew even stronger after Hon. Abang Pius Besong, popularly known as AB Amani Jojo, officially declared his intention to contest for the House of Representatives seat under the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
In a lengthy declaration personally signed by him, the politician and philanthropist confirmed weeks of speculations surrounding his ambition and announced that consultations across Ikom and Boki had reached a stage where silence was no longer necessary.
According to Besong, his aspiration is not merely about occupying political office but about correcting what he described as a long-standing imbalance in the distribution of political opportunities within the constituency.
He argued that since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999, Boki Constituency I has remained largely marginalized in terms of representation at the National Assembly despite being a major bloc within the federal constituency.
The aspirant claimed that out of nearly twenty years of representation, Boki Constituency I has only occupied the House of Representatives seat for about four years, while Boki Constituency II has held it for roughly sixteen years.
“We are in this race because history, fairness, and justice demand it,” part of the statement read.
Beyond the issue of political imbalance, Besong also painted a gloomy picture of the state of development across Ikom/Boki Federal Constituency, insisting that many communities still suffer from poor infrastructure, inadequate economic opportunities, weak educational support systems, and lack of meaningful empowerment for young people.
According to him, the constituency deserves leadership that listens to the people and converts their struggles into visible legislative action and development.
He described the movement behind his aspiration as one rooted in inclusion rather than division, stressing that his vision cuts across political affiliations, wards, religious backgrounds, and social classes.
Besong further appealed to stakeholders, youths, women, elders, and party faithful to support what he called a collective journey toward restoring confidence in leadership and governance within the constituency.
The declaration is already generating conversations across political circles in Ikom and Boki, with many observers suggesting that the 2027 House of Representatives race may eventually become one of the most closely watched political contests in Cross River State.
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