By Kelvin Obambon
The Cross River Youth in Politics for Good Governance has called for a definitive end to the “recycling” of long-serving legislators, describing the practice of elongated tenures in the National and State Assemblies as “undemocratic” and akin to “tyranny.”
Speaking at a press conference held at the Ernest Etim Bassey Press Center in Calabar on Tuesday, April 18, 2026, the State Chairman of the group, Jerry Odey, insisted that the era of political dominance by a few wealthy individuals must give way to a more inclusive, youth-led leadership recruitment process.
Odey, while addressing journalists, raised concerns over the lack of term limits for members of the legislative arm of government, contrasting it with the executive branch and the organized private sector.
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“We have found that this idea of elongated tenure, especially for legislators… is more like tyranny,” he stated. “When you stay in the National Assembly or State Assembly for 12, 15, or 20 years, are you the only person there? This recycling of legislators allows individuals to accumulate resources to themselves and take undue advantage of election periods.”
He further revealed that the group is considering advocating for new legislation that would place a cap on the number of terms a lawmaker can serve, ensuring that the political space is not choked by a permanent class of “career politicians.”
Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the group, which comprises members from the APC, Labour Party, ADC, and others, unveiled a list of 14 “endorsed” young aspirants. Odey described these individuals as the “youth slots” that the ruling party and other stakeholders must prioritize during the upcoming primaries.
“If any party fills candidates that are unpopular or do not portray qualities or competence and credibility, they will not have the support of young people,” he warned.
The Chairman commended Governor Bassey Edet Otu for his “youth-focused” administration, noting that over 50% of the State Executive Council consists of young people. However, he urged the Governor to facilitate the transition of these young leaders from “political appointees” to “elective officeholders.”
Some of the candidates the group endorsed include, Hon. Oden Ewa for Senate (Cross River Central); Chief Henry Dennis Bassey (Abi/Yakurr), House of Representatives; Barr. Godwin Offiono (Ogoja/Yala), Hon. Victor Abang (Boki/Ikom), and Dan Obo Jnr (Obubra/Etung).
For the State House of Assembly, the list featured several young women, including Mrs. Jennifer Michael Usani Ibiang (Yakurr 1), Grace Unah (Yala 2), and Phylo Modlin Odu (Boki).
Odey emphasized that the “Not Too Young to Run” Act must move beyond being a mere document to becoming a lived reality through continuous engagement and partnership.
“There is a need for youth to be properly integrated and given their rightful place in our mainstream politics,” he said, adding “We can hold these endorsed individuals accountable because we have seen their records and their commitment to the well-being of their constituents.”
The group confirmed that the list was the result of extensive consultations, including a recent stakeholder meeting.
