As political activities gradually gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections, attention is beginning to shift toward the various constituencies across Cross River State where new faces are seeking to challenge established political structures.
One of the emerging names in the Boki II State Constituency race is Engr. Nandi Jeremiah O., the candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), who says his decision to contest is driven by a desire to provide effective representation and give the people of Boki II a stronger voice in government.
Jeremiah, a native of Katchuan Irruan in Buda Ward, Boki II, comes into politics from the private sector, where he has built businesses and gained experience in entrepreneurship, management, construction, equipment supplies and fashion.
Unlike some political candidates who have previously occupied public offices, Jeremiah has never held a government position. He believes, however, that his experience outside government gives him a different perspective on leadership, particularly in the areas of resource management, enterprise development and creating opportunities for young people.
His candidacy also comes at a time when the question of generational change continues to feature prominently in political conversations across Nigeria.
Jeremiah says he respects the incumbent member representing Boki II, Rt. Hon. Hillary Bisong, whom he acknowledges as a three-term representative who has contributed to the development of the constituency.
But rather than presenting his ambition as a rejection of the incumbent's record, the young candidate says he wants to build on what has already been achieved while bringing “fresh energy, new ideas and a renewed vision” to the constituency.
For Jeremiah, the major issues confronting Boki II are not difficult to identify: poor road infrastructure, inadequate healthcare, limited access to quality education, and what he describes as underrepresentation and weak community participation.
He says that if elected, his approach would begin with stronger engagement between the lawmaker and the people.
His proposed constituency engagement system would involve regular consultations with communities, traditional leaders, youths, women and other stakeholders, alongside periodic feedback on his activities at the House of Assembly.
Beyond legislation and representation, Jeremiah says he would also use his private-sector experience to pursue youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, skills acquisition and employment opportunities.
The NDC candidate is equally confident that his political platform will not prevent him from effectively representing Boki II.
Asked whether his party could become a limitation, he simply responded: “No, I don’t think my party will be a limitation in any way.”
For him, the quality of representation and the ability to effectively articulate the interests of the people should matter more than political labels.
Jeremiah also speaks openly about the difficulties young people encounter when attempting to enter Nigerian politics.
According to him, limited access, financial demands, skepticism about the capacity of young people and the perception that political leadership belongs to those who have spent many years in the system remain major obstacles.
Yet, rather than seeing these challenges as reasons to withdraw, he believes young Nigerians must prepare themselves through education, skills acquisition, entrepreneurship and active participation in governance.
On the performance of the representative of Ikom/Boki Federal Constituency, Jeremiah takes a deliberately cautious position, declining to pass a verdict ahead of the 2027 elections.
He says the electorate will ultimately provide the answer.
“If he has done well, he’ll be re-elected. If he hasn’t done well, then another person will take over from him and continue from there,” he said.
His assessment of Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, is similarly measured.
While acknowledging what he describes as significant work by the governor, particularly in the Southern Senatorial District, Jeremiah argues that more major projects should be extended to other parts of the state.
He believes Cross River still has considerable development needs and that no senatorial district should be left behind.
As the 2027 election approaches, however, Jeremiah's biggest appeal appears to be directed at the electorate itself.
He wants voters to move beyond seeing politics merely as competition between individuals or parties and instead view elections as an opportunity to determine the direction of development.
He is asking the people of Boki II to judge candidates based on character, competence, ideas and commitment to the people rather than party affiliation or personal relationships.
Whether that message will resonate strongly enough to translate into electoral victory remains to be seen.
But with his entry into the Boki II race, Nandi Jeremiah has positioned himself as a representative of the younger generation seeking to break into a political space traditionally dominated by established figures.
Ahead of 2027, he says the choice ultimately belongs to the people.
And his message is simple: believe in yourselves, demand purposeful representation, and choose leaders based on what they can offer the people.
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