A coalition of youths under the aegis of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, alongside student leaders from Bakassi, Akpabuyo and Calabar South Local Government Areas of Cross River State, has endorsed the son of the state governor, Edem  Dominic Bassey, for the House of Representatives seat ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Bassey currently serves as Special Adviser in the Governor’s Office.

The endorsement was announced on Wednesday at a press briefing held at the Ernest Bassey Press Centre in Calabar.

Speaking at the event, the leader of the group, Sabastine Ekpenyong, said the decision was driven by what he described as years of neglect and lack of effective representation in the constituency.

He alleged that students and youths in the area had been sidelined, particularly in accessing benefits and opportunities tied to government representation.

“Our people have been silenced and left behind in the course of governance. For the past three years, there has been no budgetary support for students from our federal constituency,” Ekpenyong said.

He added that the group resolved to support a candidate they believe would be accessible and responsive to the needs of the people.

Also speaking, Edem Edem, representing Akpabuyo, said the endorsement marked a shift from what he described as the imposition of leaders on young people.

“For a long time, leaders have chosen for us. This time, the youths and students have decided to choose a leader who can represent our interests and be accountable to us,” he said.

Similarly, Eyo Nsa, representing Calabar South, said the decision reflected the collective will of young people across the constituency to demand inclusiveness and better governance.

He noted that the endorsement was aimed at ensuring that youths have a voice in leadership and are no longer excluded from decision-making processes.

The group called on stakeholders and residents of Bakassi, Akpabuyo and Calabar South to support their position, expressing confidence that Bassey would deliver effective and people-oriented representation if elected.

The event was attended by youth and student leaders from the three local government areas, who pledged to mobilise support ahead of the elections.