News Investigators/ The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has elected Santus Ofana as its candidate for the House of Representatives seat representing Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency of Cross River ahead of the forthcoming general election.
Mr Ofana emerged winner of the party’s primary election after defeating five other aspirants, including Mr Randy Peter Akah, popularly known as “Peter for Nigeria”.
The primary election was conducted across wards in Ogoja and Yala Local Government Areas and was monitored by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and party stakeholders.
The NDC appointed Mr Raymond Ayim and Mr Udey Patrick as Returning Officers for Ogoja Local Government Area, while Mr Francis Ogar and Mr Thomas Otunu supervised the exercise in Yala Local Government Area.
The officials announced the results after collation of votes from the various wards.
Other aspirants who contested the ticket were Mr Odey Ogboriku, Mr Idun Mark, Mr Odey Ofana, Mr Akah Otu and Mrs Margaret Oko.
In Yala Local Government Area, Ofana polled 233 votes, while Ogboriku secured 79 votes and Mark received 42 votes.
Ofana scored 64 votes, Peter Otu polled 16 votes, while Oko received 24 votes.
In Ogoja Local Government Area, Ofana garnered 162 votes.
Ogboriku received 32 votes, Mark polled 40 votes, Ofana secured 17 votes, Otu scored 47 votes, while Oko received 12 votes.
With a total of 395 votes from both local government areas, Ofana emerged winner of the primary election and secured the party’s ticket for the constituency.
Speaking after the declaration of the result, Ofana thanked delegates and supporters for their support and pledged to work toward the party’s success in the general election.
He said that, if elected, he would focus on sponsoring bills and motions aimed at addressing the needs of constituents, attracting federal projects, supporting agricultural development, promoting youth and women empowerment, and strengthening oversight functions.
According to him, greater cooperation between the people of Ogoja and Yala is necessary to advance development in the constituency.
“Our people deserve quality representation that will bring development closer to them.
“We must work together to attract federal projects, create opportunities for youths and women, strengthen agriculture and promote prosperity in Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency,” he said.
NAN
