Absentee Representation Must End, Says NDC Reps Candidate

Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for the Akpabuyo/Bakassi/Calabar South Federal Constituency, Mr. Ededem Hogan, has declared that absentee representation must end, pledging to provide visible, effective and accountable leadership in the House of Representatives if elected in the 2027 general elections.

Hogan made the declaration over the weekend while addressing the general meeting of Esop Ndito Efik Eburutu Abuja. He described his candidacy as an opportunity for the people of the constituency to choose competence, integrity and character, while taking greater ownership of their development journey.

He described his participation in the meeting as a homecoming to a community he has served selflessly for many years and called for a higher standard of representation in the National Assembly.

“The time has come to end business-as-usual representation. The time has come to raise the standard of representation in the Green Chamber,” Hogan said. “The era of absentee representation must come to an end.”

He promised to prioritise the needs of his constituents and amplify their voices in the National Assembly. He also pledged to establish functional constituency offices across Akpabuyo, Bakassi and Calabar South, which would serve as accessible contact points for complaints, petitions, proposals and requests for intervention.

“These offices will not exist merely as signposts; they will serve as active points of contact through which constituents can submit complaints, petitions, proposals and requests for intervention,” he said.

“Every constituent, regardless of political affiliation, social status, religion or community, will have a voice and an opportunity to be heard.”

The high point of the meeting was the endorsement of Hogan’s candidacy for the House of Representatives by the Efik community in Abuja.

Following the endorsement, two prominent members of the community threw their weight behind his ambition, describing him as a man of integrity and the best candidate for the position.

Mr. Tony-Ray Ene, Vice President of Esop Ndito Efik Eburutu Abuja, said Hogan’s years of service to the community had earned him the trust and confidence of Efik people in the Federal Capital Territory.

“Ededem Hogan is not a stranger to us. We have watched him serve this community for years, quietly and without seeking praise. He is a man of integrity, and I can say without hesitation that he is the best man for this job. He will do an excellent job in the House of Representatives,” Ene said.

“He did not come to us only because he needed our support. He has been part of our struggles, our celebrations and our progress. That is the kind of person we should send to the National Assembly.”

Also speaking, Ambassador Asari Allotey, immediate past Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of Tunisia, said Hogan’s character and international experience distinguished him from other candidates.

“I have spent my life in service, and I know the difference between a man who merely talks and one who delivers. Ededem Hogan is a man of integrity and competence. He is the best man for this job,” Amb Allotey said.

“Our constituency needs a voice that will be respected in the Green Chamber. With his international experience and strength of character, I have no doubt that he will do an excellent job in the House of Representatives,” Allotey added.

Hogan said his candidacy was founded on competence, integrity and commitment, citing more than 25 years of professional experience in international development, including work on education, healthcare, governance and community development programmes.

He also pledged to provide regular reports on his activities in the National Assembly and maintain continuous engagement with constituents at home and in the diaspora.

“I make this solemn promise to you: if entrusted with this mandate, I will not disappoint you. I will serve with humility, courage and diligence,” Hogan said.

He urged Efik sons and daughters in Abuja and across Nigeria to support his campaign and encourage their families at home to participate actively in the electoral process.