As Nigeria’s political machinery slowly grinds toward the 2027 general elections, one senator has drawn an early line in the sand – not with threats or grandstanding, but with a plea for decency. Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, who chairs the Senate Committee on Petroleum Resources (Gas), has formally declared his intention to seek re-election for the Cross River North Senatorial District. His announcement, however, came wrapped in a remarkable call for civility, unity, and ideas-driven campaigning.
In a reflective, almost philosophical message titled “A Piece of My Thoughts,” the lawmaker urged his supporters to resist the temptation of insults and personal attacks as political temperatures begin to rise across the state. The statement, released over the weekend, immediately set a tone rarely heard in Nigerian electioneering – one of restraint, respect, and strategic focus.
A Campaign Built on Substance, Not Savagery
Senator Jarigbe opened his address by thanking the people of Cross River North for what he called their “unwavering support” since his assumption of office. But gratitude quickly gave way to a set of ground rules. Acknowledging that emotions would inevitably run high in the months ahead, he insisted that his campaign would distinguish itself through the quality of its ideas – not the volume of its invective.
“Emotions run high,” Senator Jarigbe admitted, “but we are better than uncouth words. Our campaign will be defined by ideas, not insults.”
That line is likely to become the mantra of his re-election bid. In an era where political discourse in Nigeria often descends into vitriol, the senator’s stance is both refreshing and strategically shrewd. By elevating the conversation, he hopes to appeal not only to his base but also to undecided voters and civil society actors weary of toxic politicking.
Respecting the Office, Even When Disagreeing with the Office-Holder
Perhaps the most striking element of Jarigbe’s message was his directive regarding how to speak about past and present leaders. Without naming names – though the subtext was clear – he called on his followers to show deference to the office of the governor, regardless of their personal verdict on the performance of whoever occupies it.
“Whether serving or former, that seat commands dignity. Critique records; don’t abuse people,” he counselled.
This admonition carries particular weight in Cross River State, where political rivalries have occasionally spilled into personal animosity. By drawing a bright line between policy criticism and personal attacks, Jarigbe is attempting to model a more mature form of politics – one that could resonate with an electorate fatigued by endless mudslinging.
The Ayade Factor – and Why Jarigbe Isn’t Running Scared
Observers note that Senator Jarigbe’s call for civility arrives against the backdrop of a potentially heavyweight contest. Among those rumoured to be interested in the Cross River North seat is former Governor Ben Ayade, a political titan whose influence across the state remains considerable. Ayade, who governed Cross River for eight years before handing over in 2023, has yet to formally declare his intentions, but his shadow already looms large over the nascent race.
Jarigbe, however, did not shy away from acknowledging the calibre of opponents he may face. In his statement, he insisted that his camp would trade ideas, not abuse – a clear signal that he intends to run on his legislative record rather than engage in personality-driven warfare.
Political analysts suggest that this approach could prove effective. As chairman of the Senate Committee on Petroleum Resources (Gas), Jarigbe has been at the centre of key legislative interventions in the energy sector. He is expected to highlight his work on gas development, local content, and infrastructure oversight as proof of his value to the district.
Politics as a Test of Character
For Senator Jarigbe, the upcoming election is about more than just winning a seat. In his message, he framed politics as a fundamental test of character – a crucible in which ambition must be tempered by honour.
“Life’s cravings amount to vanity,” he said. “What lasts is community – how we live as sons and daughters of Cross River.”
That philosophical turn is deliberate. By appealing to shared identity and long-term legacy, Jarigbe is attempting to rise above the transactional nature of much Nigerian politics. He warned fellow aspirants against ignoring public sentiment, urging them to “listen to our people, not live in denial of the obvious.”
That line could be read as a subtle jab at politicians who rely on bravado rather than ground-level engagement. But Jarigbe kept the tone constructive, framing his advice as a plea for collective self-awareness rather than a critique of any individual.
Keeping the APC Family Intact
No discussion of the 2027 elections in Cross River North would be complete without addressing party dynamics. Senator Jarigbe is a prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and he devoted a significant portion of his message to urging party unity.
He reminded APC members that primary elections, however fiercely contested, should not permanently fracture relationships. “We remain one APC family,” he cautioned. “No ambition should wreck the conviviality we have built.”
This is a critical point. The APC in Cross River State has, in recent years, struggled with internal schisms. By urging restraint and party loyalty, Jarigbe is positioning himself as a stabilising force – a candidate who can win without burning bridges. That message is likely to resonate with party leaders who fear that a bitter primary could hand the district to opposition candidates.
What Observers Are Saying
Political watchers in Calabar and beyond have noted that Jarigbe’s statement is unusually statesmanlike for an early campaign salvo. Dr. Nkechi Obi, a political analyst based in the South-South, told Elanza News that the senator’s approach could set a new benchmark.
“What Senator Jarigbe has done is to raise the bar,” she said. “He is saying, ‘Judge me by my ideas, not by my ability to insult my opponent.’ In a political environment where noise often drowns out substance, that is a welcome development. Whether other candidates will follow suit remains to be seen.”
Others, however, caution that civility is easier to preach than to practise once the campaign heats up. With former Governor Ayade yet to declare his hand, and with other aspirants likely to emerge, the pressure on Jarigbe to abandon his high-minded tone could intensify.
The Stakes for Cross River North
Cross River North Senatorial District is one of three senatorial districts in Cross River State, covering local government areas including Ogoja, Yala, Bekwarra, and Obudu. It is a region with significant agricultural potential and a growing political consciousness. Voter turnout in previous elections has been respectable, and the district is often seen as a bellwether for broader political trends in the state.
Senator Jarigbe first won the seat in 2019 and was re-elected in 2023. His tenure has seen a focus on gas policy at the national level, as well as constituency projects in education and healthcare. His re-election bid is therefore partly a referendum on his performance – and partly a test of whether a politics of civility can still win in an era of bare-knuckle competition.
Looking Ahead to 2027
With the election still two years away, the race for Cross River North is in its earliest stages. But Senator Jarigbe has already achieved something notable: he has framed the terms of debate. By calling for an ideas-driven campaign, he has put opponents on notice that insults will be met not with counter-insults but with policy proposals and legislative records.
Whether that strategy succeeds depends on many factors – not least the identity and approach of the candidates who eventually line up against him. But for now, Senator Jarigbe has offered the people of Cross River North a choice: a campaign of dignity or a campaign of division. His message suggests he knows which side he wants to be on.
As he put it in his closing remarks, “Ambition fades, but how we treat one another endures. Let us compete, but let us compete with honour.”
For a political class often accused of putting power before principle, those are words worth remembering. And for the voters of Cross River North, they may prove to be the most important promise of the 2027 season.
