As the 2027 general election approaches, the people of Cross River Central Senatorial District face a decision that goes beyond political parties, campaign promises and powerful endorsements. It is a decision about who can best represent their interests in the Nigerian Senate.
The emergence of Oden Ewa as the APC candidate has generated political debate. But beyond his party ticket and reported support from Governor Bassey Edet Otu, one question deserves serious attention: Is Oden Ewa the right person to represent Cross River Central in the Senate?
One major concern is his lack of legislative experience. Oden Ewa has served as a commissioner in the executive arm of government, but he has never served as a legislator at the state or federal level. Executive experience is valuable, but it is not the same as understanding how the legislature works.
The Senate is not a ministry. It is where national laws are made, federal budgets are scrutinised, government agencies are questioned and policies affecting millions of Nigerians are debated. A senator must understand legislative procedures, committee work, motions, bills, oversight and the process of negotiating projects and opportunities for constituents.
Cross River Central, comprising Boki, Ikom, Yakurr and Obubra, has pressing challenges, including poor rural roads, unemployment, poverty, inadequate infrastructure and limited economic opportunities. The people need a representative who can turn these concerns into a clear legislative agenda and pursue practical solutions.
Unfortunately, Nigerians have repeatedly heard newly elected lawmakers explain that they are still learning the ropes. They need time to understand parliamentary procedures, committee responsibilities and how to sponsor effective bills and motions.
But for a district that has waited so long for meaningful development, how much time can it afford to give another representative to learn the system?
Cross River Central needs a senator who can hit the ground running, understand the workings of the National Assembly and begin pushing the people's concerns from the first day. The district cannot afford to spend another four years listening to explanations about how difficult the system is to understand.
Another issue concerns Oden Ewa's educational qualification. Information reviewed by Boki Blog Africa on the INEC candidate information portal lists his submitted qualification as SSCE. This information does not, by itself, establish that he is constitutionally disqualified from contesting for the Senate. Legal eligibility and the ability to provide effective representation are two different questions.
The issue is not about mocking anyone's educational background. Rather, voters have a right to examine every candidate's preparation, knowledge, experience and capacity to handle the responsibilities of the office. The Nigerian Senate is a complex institution, and Cross River Central deserves a representative who can demonstrate a clear understanding of its work.
Being the APC candidate does not automatically make Oden Ewa the best choice. Neither does the backing of powerful political figures. A party ticket can open the door to an election, but it cannot replace competence, experience or a convincing plan for development.
If Oden Ewa believes he is the right candidate, he should be ready to explain what he will bring to the Senate. What legislative experience does he have? What bills has he sponsored or helped develop? What motions has he raised? What is his understanding of committee work and legislative oversight? What specific plans does he have for roads, jobs, infrastructure and economic opportunities across the district?
These are fair questions that every serious candidate should be prepared to answer. They are not attacks on an individual; they are part of the responsibility voters have when choosing someone to represent them.
The 2027 election should not be reduced to APC versus PDP, NDC versus APC, or Governor Otu versus his political opponents. The bigger question is whether the candidate has the competence, capacity and vision to serve the people effectively.
Cross River Central has heard promises before. It has watched politicians campaign with beautiful words, only for the people to continue waiting for the development they were promised. The district needs more than another round of political slogans; it needs representation that can produce results.
Oden Ewa may have the APC ticket and the support of influential political leaders, but the final decision belongs to the electorate. If he can demonstrate that he possesses the knowledge, capacity and understanding required for the Senate, he should make that case before the people. Voters, in turn, have every democratic right to compare his record and preparedness with those of other candidates, including candidates with direct legislative experience.
Cross River Central must choose carefully. The Senate is too important, and the district's challenges are too serious, to make the decision on party loyalty alone.
The people should not simply vote for the candidate who has been chosen by a political party. They should vote for the person they believe is best prepared to represent them. The APC ticket is not a certificate of competence, and political endorsement is not legislative experience.
In 2027, Cross River Central should look beyond campaign promises and ask a simple but important question: Who is ready to work for the people from day one?
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