Santus Ofana Wins NDC Reps’ Ticket For Ogoja/Yala

An agro-industrialist and founder of the popular Ogoja Rice brand, Chief Santus Ofana, has emerged as the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for the House of Representatives seat for Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency of Cross River State in a keenly contested party primary election.

Ofana defeated five other aspirants, including renowned human rights activist and social crusader, Mr Randy Peter Akah, popularly known as “Peter for Nigeria” to clinch the party’s ticket for the 2027 general election.

The election, which was conducted in all the wards in Ogoja and Yala local government areas, was monitored by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and party stakeholders. The exercise was generally peaceful, transparent and orderly.

The NDC appointed Raymond Ayim and Udey Patrick Murphy as returning officers for Ogoja local government area, while Oko Francis Ogar and Thomas Odey Otunu supervised the exercise in Yala kocal government area.

The officials subsequently announced and declared the results after collating votes from the various wards.

Other aspirants who contested the party’s ticket with Ofana were Odey Anthony Ogboriku, Idun Odide Mark, Odey Friday Ofana, Akah Peter Otu and Margaret Oko.

In Yala council, Ofana secured a commanding lead with 233 votes. Ogboriku polled 79 votes, while Mark got 42 votes. Friday Ofana received 64 votes, Otu scored 16 votes and Oko had 24 votes.

Similarly, in Ogoja  LGA, Ofana received 162 votes. His closest rivals Ogboriku polled 32 votes, Mark got 40 votes, Friday Ofana secured 17 votes, Otu scored 47 votes, while Oko had 12 votes.

With a total of 395 votes from both councils, Ofana emerged the winner of the primary election, earning the mandate of party delegates to fly the NDC flag in the race for the Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency seat.

After his victory, the businessman and grassroots politician, popularly known as “Mr Ogoja Rice”, expressed gratitude to the party delegates and supporters for the confidence reposed in him.

He described his emergence as a collective victory for the people of Ogoja and Yala and pledged to work tirelessly towards securing victory for the party in the general election.

Ofana told the constituents that his aspiration is driven by a genuine desire to provide purposeful and effective representation at the National Assembly. According to him, the people of Ogoja and Yala deserve a representative who understands their challenges and is committed to advancing their interests at the federal level.

He outlined key areas that would define his legislative agenda if elected as the sponsorship of people-oriented bills and motions, aggressive advocacy for federal projects and interventions, agricultural revitalisation, food security initiatives, youth and women empowerment programmes, effective oversight functions, transparency and accountability in governance.

The NDC flag bearer further emphasised the need for peace, unity and stronger collaboration between the people of Ogoja and Yala, stressing that the constituency can only attain sustainable development through collective efforts and harmonious coexistenc