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A reputable 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 representing Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency of Cross River State, following a keenly contested party primary election.
Chief 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 ahead of the forthcoming general election.
The primary election, which was conducted across 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 described as 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 Local 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 alongside Chief Ofana were Odey Anthony Ogboriku, Idun Odide Mark, Odey Friday Ofana, Akah Peter Otu and Margaret Oko.
In Yala Local Government Area, Chief Santus Ofana secured a commanding lead with 233 votes.
Odey Anthony Ogboriku polled 79 votes, while Idun Odide Mark garnered 42 votes. Odey Friday Ofana received 64 votes, Akah Peter Otu scored 16 votes, and Margaret Oko secured 24 votes.
Similarly, in Ogoja Local Government Area, Chief Ofana recorded another impressive victory with 162 votes.
His closest rivals trailed behind as Odey Anthony Ogboriku polled 32 votes, Idun Odide Mark received 40 votes, Odey Friday Ofana secured 17 votes, Akah Peter Otu garnered 47 votes, while Margaret Oko obtained 12 votes.
With a combined total of 395 votes from both local government areas, Chief Ofana emerged the clear 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.
Speaking shortly after his victory was announced, the businessman and grassroots politician, popularly known as “Mr Ogoja Rice”, expressed gratitude to 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.
Chief Ofana assured 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, including 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 coexistence.
“Our people deserve quality representation that will bring development closer to them.
“We must work together to attract federal projects, create opportunities for our youths and women, strengthen agriculture, and build a more prosperous Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency,” he said.
Chief Ofana’s emergence marks another significant milestone in his political journey.
It would be recalled that the successful entrepreneur and agricultural investor contested for the House of Representatives ticket under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2011 but was unsuccessful under circumstances many of his supporters considered unfavourable at the time.
With his victory at the NDC primary, political observers believe Chief Ofana has positioned himself as a formidable contender in the race for the Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency seat, setting the stage for what is expected to be a highly competitive election.
