Women in Cross River State have been urged to move beyond political apathy and actively contest elective positions, as a State House of Assembly aspirant for Bakassi Constituency, Rt. Hon. Grace Etim Bassey, formally declared her intention to run.
Speaking during a meeting with supporters in Bakassi Local Government Area, Bassey said the time had come for women to take their place in the political space, noting that past elections in the state recorded low female participation.
She pointed out that the imbalance was evident in the composition of the 10th Cross River State House of Assembly, where, according to her, female representation remained significantly low.
“In the last election, we did not have an even number of women participating in contesting for elective offices,” she said. “This time, women must come out and be counted. Opportunity will not be given to those who stay back.”
Bassey, a councillor representing ward 7 and leader of the 7th Bakassi Legislative Assembly, said her decision to contest was informed by her experience in grassroots governance and her involvement in the social advocacy-cum-community-based initiatives, particularly in health and agriculture.
She explained that although councillors operate without constituency allowances, she had partnered with non-governmental organisations to execute projects across wards, extending her activities beyond her immediate constituency in addition to legislation, representation and oversight at the local assembly level.
The aspirant declared that she is “physically, mentally, spiritually and financially fit” to represent Bakassi at the state legislature, adding that her ambition aligns with a broader push for inclusive governance.
She also referenced concerns previously raised by observers about gender representation in the state’s political clime, suggesting that increased participation by women could help address such gaps.
Bassey called on women across the state to seize the ongoing political season as an opportunity to step forward, register their interest, and engage in the electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Political activities have been gathering momentum across Cross River state in recent weeks, with aspirants declaring intentions and mobilising support as parties begin early preparations for forthcoming elections.
