Friday, 12 June 2026

27 Years of Democracy: Egbona Urges Voters to Reject ‘Liars and Selfish Office Seekers


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Ukorebi Esien | June 12, 2026

ABI–The Member representing Abi/Yakurr Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Alex Egbona, has called on constituents to remain vigilant ahead of the next general elections, urging them to reject what he described as “liars and selfish office seekers” who lack credible records of public service.

In a statement issued on Thursday to mark 27 years of uninterrupted democratic governance in Nigeria, Egbona said the country’s democratic journey had been sustained by the resilience and participation of citizens, but stressed the need to deepen democratic values through informed voting and civic responsibility.

According to him, democracy in Nigeria has recorded steady progress since 1999, noting that citizens must now focus more on accountability and performance when choosing leaders.

“My dear Abi/Yakurr people, it is about 27 years now since the advent of this current democracy. We have all become integral change agents in the growth of our democratic experiment. It can only get better,” he said.

Egbona, however, warned against vote trading and electoral manipulation, describing them as threats to democratic consolidation. He urged residents to register and participate actively in elections, insisting that their votes must be used to demand better governance and development.

“Becoming more involved in the processes for the election of credible leaders is key. Avoid all tendencies that are undemocratic, including the culture of selling your votes for a plate of porridge,” he stated.

Highlighting his stewardship over the past seven years, the lawmaker said he had facilitated projects across education, health, electricity, agriculture, and youth empowerment sectors within the constituency.

He claimed to have attracted classroom construction and renovation projects, facilitated employment opportunities for youths in federal agencies and tertiary institutions, and supported the establishment of institutions such as the Federal Polytechnic, Ugep, and the monotechnic in Ekureku.

Egbona also noted that several constituents had benefited from the National Health Insurance Scheme through his facilitation, adding that he had compiled a booklet documenting projects executed across wards in the constituency.

He maintained that his performance since 2019 surpassed what was achieved in the constituency in the previous two decades, despite initial disruptions caused by legal challenges.

While declaring his intention to seek re-election, the lawmaker urged constituents to critically assess candidates based on their records, rather than rhetoric.

“Do not allow those who only know how to lie and deceive to return. Ask them what they have done in the past,” he said.

Egbona also took a swipe at unnamed political opponents, accusing them of embarking on what he called a “tour of deception,” and misleading voters on the source and implementation of constituency projects.

He urged constituents to remain focused on development-oriented leadership, adding that the future of the constituency depended on informed electoral choices.

We cannot walk alone. Together, we will see the Abi/Yakurr Federal Constituency of our dream,” he said.

The lawmaker reaffirmed his commitment to continued service, expressing optimism that sustained democratic participation would strengthen governance outcomes in the constituency, Cross River State, and Nigeria at large.

He signed off the statement with a call for unity and peaceful engagement as the election season approaches.



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