As the 2027 elections draw closer, political activities are already beginning to gather momentum across Boki 1 Constituency of Cross River State.
One of those making his intention known is Hon. Cosmas Obi, a grassroots politician, youth leader and advocate for equity and development from Buentsebe Ward.
Obi says his decision to contest for the Cross River State House of Assembly seat is mainly driven by what he describes as the need for equity and fairness in the sharing of political representation among the five wards that make up Boki 1.
According to him, while Abu, Boje and Beebo-Bumaji wards have produced Assembly members in the past, Buentsebe and Alanku wards are still waiting for their opportunity.
But beyond the issue of rotation, Obi says Boki 1 is facing serious challenges, including bad roads, lack of electricity, youth unemployment, poor health and education facilities, and what he describes as inadequate government presence.
In this interview, he speaks about why he is contesting, his assessment of the current representation, what he plans to do if elected, how he intends to fund his campaign, youth participation in politics, the Ikom/Boki Federal Constituency and his chances in the 2027 election.
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| Hon. Cosmas Obi |
Below is the full interview:
Can we meet you?
My name is Hon. Cosmas Obi. I am a son of Boki 1, from Buentsebe Ward. I am a grassroots politician, youth leader, and advocate for equity and development. I have been serving our people quietly through mobilization, community support, and pushing for government attention to our roads, youths, and schools. I am married, I understand our culture, and I feel the pain of our people because I live among them.
Why did you decide to contest for the Cross River State House of Assembly seat for Boki 1 Constituency?
I am running because it is time for equity and fairness.
For years, Abu, Boje, and Beebo-Bumaji wards have produced House of Assembly members and have benefited from that representation. Buentsebe and Alanku wards have not had that opportunity. Our people are asking: “Is it our turn yet?”
Beyond equity, I am running because Boki 1 needs a voice that connects. A voice that will link us to State and Federal Government to fix our Ikom-Boki-Obanliku-Obudu roads, bring electricity, and create jobs for our graduates who are returning home with certificates but no opportunities.
What are the major challenges facing your constituency?
Boki 1 has 5 wards and we face the same problems across all:
• Bad Roads: From Ikom to Boki, Obanliku to Obudu. Wula to Ubong, Okwa to Okwangwo, Batriko to Bakum, Batriko to Beebo-Bumaji, Onicha farm to Iso-Bendeghe, Abu and so on. Farmers cannot move cocoa, plantain, and yam to market. Produce rots and poverty increases.
• No Electricity: The entire Boki 1 is in darkness. Businesses, schools, and hospitals depend on generators and solar.
• Youth Unemployment: Our graduates come home and stay idle. No jobs, no skills, no capital.
• Poor Health and Education Facilities: Our PHCs lack drugs and staff. Our schools lack teachers and infrastructure.
• Lack of Government Presence: People don’t feel or see government in Boki 1.
What can you say about the current member representing your constituency? Hon. Bette Obi
Hon. Bette Obi is a fine and well-refined gentleman who loves peace. We respect his person.
But leadership requires more than peace. It requires connection and delivery. There has been too much dependence on "Governor powers" and not enough dependence on "people power". Yet power belongs to the people.
In lawmaking he has made a little impact. But our people need physical projects, government presence, and constituency engagement. They need to see roads, light, jobs, and empowerment. That gap is why we need a new direction.
If elected, what would you do differently?
I will practice "3P Representation": Presence, Projects, and People.
• Presence: Annual town halls in all 5 wards. A constituency office. Open communication. You will know your representative.
• Projects: I will lobby State, Federal, NDDC, and Donor agencies for:
• Urgent work on Ikom-Boki-Obanliku-Obudu roads
• Rural electrification and solar mini-grids for all wards
• Skills acquisition, scholarships, and empowerment for youths and women
• People: I will sponsor bills and motions that directly benefit Boki 1 farmers, students, and SMEs. I will also do oversight to ensure budget releases for us are used properly.
How do you intend to fund your political campaign?
Through people power and transparency:
• Grassroots donations from brothers and sisters of Boki 1
• Friends of Boki 1 in Cross River and in the diaspora
• Personal commitment from me and my team
We have opened a campaign account for transparency: 3040256040 | First Bank | EKwo Cosmas Obi Every kobo will be accounted for.
As a young person, what challenges have you faced in politics?
3 major challenges:
• Money Politics: They say "young people have no money". But we are proving that ideas + people can defeat money bags just like Abia state.
• "Wait for your turn" syndrome: Abu, Boje, Beebo-Bumaji have produced. Buentsebe/Alanku are still waiting. We cannot wait forever.
• Being used and dumped: Youths are used as thugs during elections and forgotten after. I refused that path. I chose service.
But these challenges have only made me stronger.
What do you think about the representation of Ikom/Boki Federal Constituency? Is the House of Reps member meeting your expectations?
The Ikom/Boki Federal seat is critical for us. Our expectation is federal presence: good roads, federal jobs, NDDC projects, and constituency projects.
For Boki 1, the impact is not yet felt. The Ikom-Boki road is still a death trap. We need more federal jobs, more federal institutions, and more projects in our communities. We need a Rep who will fight in Abuja daily for Ikom and Boki equally.
What message do you have for young Nigerians who want to participate in politics?
My message is simple: "Don’t wait. Join. Organize. Lead."
Politics is not for old men alone. It is for anyone who cares about the future. Start from your ward. Understand the issues. Serve your people. Be clean with money. Be consistent. The system will resist you, but if you have the people, you will win. Nigeria’s future is in our hands.
What are your chances of winning the election?
Very strong. Why? Because the people are tired of promises without presence. Because it is the turn of Buentsebe/Alanku for equity. Because youths and women are ready for a representative who will be on ground. With God, with the people, and with PDP, Boki 1 will be great again in 2027.
What advice do you have for the good people of Boki 1 ahead of 2027?
My people, let us vote with our eyes open this time. Don’t vote for name. Vote for capacity, connection, and commitment. Don’t sell your future for rice and N2,000. Let us choose someone who will live with us, fight for us, and bring government to us.
2027 is about our roads, our light, our jobs, and our children. Let us stand together. Boki 1 will be great again.
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