The National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for Akpabuyo, Bakassi and Calabar South Federal Constituency, Ededem Hogan, has vowed to deliver representation that translates into tangible development and opportunities for constituents if elected in 2027.

Hogan made the pledge on Friday in Calabar during the opening of his campaign office at 34 Egerton Street, opposite Anwa Ekot, which also marked the formal flag-off of his campaign activities.

He said the office would provide a platform for constituents to engage with his campaign, raise concerns and contribute ideas on issues affecting the constituency.

Describing the office as belonging to the people, Hogan said it would remain accessible to residents and serve as a centre for grassroots consultation.

“This office belongs to the people of Akpabuyo, Bakassi and Calabar South. It will be a place where our people can walk in, share their concerns, contribute ideas and participate actively in shaping the kind of representation they deserve,” he said.

Hogan said his campaign would focus on youth employment and skills development, education, healthcare, infrastructure, economic opportunities and community development.

With experience in international development and programme management, he said he would bring competence, integrity and a development-oriented approach to legislative representation.

“For me, public office must have a purpose. Representation should not end with speeches in Abuja. It must translate into opportunities for young people, stronger communities, better access to government programmes, meaningful constituency projects and a representative who remains accessible and accountable to the people,” Hogan said.

He also rejected what he described as the “politics of handouts,” saying the distribution of rice, cash and other items should not be used as a substitute for sustainable development.

“The time has passed for the politics of handouts, the politics of one size fits all,” Hogan said.

He also unveiled his manifesto, titled “A Practical Framework for Justice, Resettlement, Opportunity and Accountability,” describing it as his contract with the constituency.

Hogan said the campaign would prioritise grassroots consultations, with engagements planned across communities and wards in Akpabuyo, Bakassi and Calabar South.

He urged political actors and supporters to run a campaign based on ideas and issues, stressing the need to place the peace, unity and development of the constituency above personal interests.

“We will run a campaign of ideas, hope and possibilities. We will take our message directly to the people and make the case for a new standard of representation founded on competence, credibility, accessibility and service,” he said.

NDC State Chairman, Mr. Goddie Akpama, urged party members and supporters across the constituency to unite behind Hogan ahead of the 2027 election.

Akpama said the party would strengthen its grassroots mobilisation and take its message of development, inclusive representation and accountability to communities across the constituency.

He reaffirmed that Ededem Hogan remains the only authentic NDC candidate for the House of Representatives for Akpabuyo/Bakassi/Calabar South Federal Constituency, urging party members and supporters to remain united and focused as the party prepares for the forthcoming elections.

In his remarks, Dr. Ntete Duke expressed strong confidence in Hogan’s candidacy, describing his prospects at the polls as very promising. He called on the people of Akpabuyo, Bakassi and Calabar South, irrespective of their backgrounds and interests, to rally behind Hogan and work collectively towards securing a decisive victory at the elections.

Dr. Duke further reachoed that any other person parading as NDC candidate for Akpabuyo/Bakassi/Calabar South is an impostor, while NDC Deputy Governorship Candidate, Stella Archibong, called for purposeful leadership and urged voters to reject temporary inducements in favour of candidates committed to development and accountability.