A frontline aspirant for the Yala/Ogoja Federal Constituency seat, Dr. Stella Odey-Ekpo, has formally declared her intention to contest for the House of Representatives, pledging to deliver effective and people-oriented representation.
Dr. Odey-Ekpo, a seasoned public administrator from Northern Cross River, made her ambition known recently in Calabar, while outlining her motivation to enter the race, citing a strong call from her constituents and the need to address perceived gaps in representation.
“I was motivated by the clarion call from my people,” she said, noting that her decision was driven by a desire to provide responsive leadership and improve governance outcomes in the constituency.
With a track record that includes serving as Commissioner for Women Affairs, Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Vice Chairman of a Local Government Council, and most recently as a Federal Commissioner with the Federal Character Commission, she expressed confidence in her capacity to deliver impactful legislative representation.
Addressing concerns over her decision to leave her federal appointment, she maintained that the move would not disadvantage Cross River State, emphasizing that every state retains representation within the Federal Character Commission. She added that the state still stands to benefit strategically, as its representative could potentially assume leadership roles within the commission in the future.
On her legislative agenda, Dr. Odey-Ekpo assured constituents of her commitment to sponsoring people-focused bills and attracting tangible democratic dividends to the area. She stressed that her representation would prioritize policies with direct benefits for the people of Yala and Ogoja.
She also highlighted the importance of greater female participation in national politics, noting that the National Assembly currently has limited female representation from the state. According to her, her candidacy presents an opportunity to amplify the voices of women and inspire the next generation of female leaders.
“This is the right time for women to step forward and take their place in governance,” she said, adding that inclusive representation is essential for balanced development.
Expressing confidence in her chances, Dr. Odey-Ekpo described herself as a strong contender, assuring supporters that her campaign would culminate in victory on the platform of the All Progressives Congress.
She called on constituents to support her vision for effective representation, promising to justify their mandate with dedication, competence, and measurable results.
Kingsley Agim
