By Asuquo Cletus
The member representing Boki/Ikom Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Victor Abang, has declared his intention to seek re-election in the 2027 general elections under the platform of the All Progressives Congress.
Abang made the declaration in a statement on Wednesday, saying his decision was driven by a commitment to consolidate on the gains recorded during his first term in office.
The lawmaker, said his tenure had been guided by a “social contract” with the people of Boki and Ikom, stressing that his legislative interventions had been deliberate and people-oriented.
Highlighting his achievements, Abang listed several bills and motions he sponsored, including those seeking the establishment of a Federal College of Agriculture (Forestry) in Okundi, a Federal College of Education (Technical) in Ikom, and a Federal Medical Centre in Boki.
He also referenced legislative efforts on national issues such as the amendment of the Labour Act, the National Park Service, and the proposed Elite Sheriff Corps.
According to him, he had raised motions addressing critical concerns in the constituency, including the Nigeria-Cameroon boundary issues, ecological challenges such as elephant invasions in Bamba, and calls for the completion of key infrastructure projects like the Ikom Specialist Hospital and the Odukpani–Ikot Ekpene road.
Abang further stated that his representation had translated into grassroots development through projects spanning water supply, rural electrification, healthcare, education, and agricultural support across the 22 wards in the constituency.
“We have supported farmers with seedlings, agrochemicals, and equipment to boost food security, while also implementing empowerment and capacity-building programmes for our people,” he said.
The lawmaker, however, acknowledged that fiscal constraints at the national level had slowed down the execution of some projects, particularly within the 2025 budget cycle, adding that efforts were ongoing to ensure their completion.
Speaking on his re-election bid, Abang argued that continuity in legislative representation was essential for sustained development, noting that experience and seniority play a critical role in attracting projects to constituencies.
“It is important to understand that the first tenure is often a period of learning and foundation-building. Greater impact is usually achieved in subsequent terms due to increased experience and influence,” he said.
He urged constituents to renew his mandate, pledging to intensify efforts to attract more federal presence and development to the area.
Abang also expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu and Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu for their leadership, as well as the leadership of the APC in the constituency for their continued support.
He assured constituents of his commitment to effective representation if given another opportunity to serve.
