A young entrepreneur, Dr. Ugbe Margaret Utsunung, popularly known as Chelsy, has officially declared her intention to contest for the Obudu State Constituency seat in the 11th Cross River State House of Assembly under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a declaration message to the people of Obudu, Chelsy said her decision is driven by gratitude, experience, and a strong commitment to people-centred representation.
She explained that her passion for legislative service was shaped over a decade ago during her early exposure to public administration at the Cross River State House of Assembly Service Commission, where she served as Secretary to the Director of Administration.
According to her, the experience gave her a deeper understanding of governance and the true essence of public office as a platform for service, representation, and impact.
“My passion for legislative service was inspired by my experience at the Cross River State House of Assembly Service Commission at a very tender age,” she said. “That opportunity exposed me to the true purpose of public office; service, representation, and impact.”
Chelsy noted that she has since combined entrepreneurship with active political participation and engagement within her party.
She disclosed that in the past month, she has engaged in wide consultations across Obudu with political stakeholders, youths, women, and community leaders.
She described the response from these engagements as encouraging, saying it has strengthened her resolve to step forward.
She emphasized that her ambition is not personal but aimed at promoting inclusive governance and broader participation in leadership.
“This aspiration is bigger than me. It is about giving young people, women, and ordinary citizens without influence or status the opportunity to move from the background to the forefront of leadership and decision-making,” she said.
Chelsy called for unity and collective support from constituents, urging residents to rally behind a shared vision for stronger representation.
“Together, let us build a stronger voice for our people and a better future for our constituency. This is our moment,” she added.
Her declaration is already generating political interest in Obudu as preparations towards the 2027 general elections gradually gather momentum.
