Cross River Youths Threaten 2027 Election Boycott Over Deplorable Highway Conditions

Youths from Ikom, Boki, and Etung Local Government Areas in Cross River State are threatening to boycott the 2027 general elections unless the long-abandoned Ikom-Obudu federal highway is urgently repaired. The youth have staged peaceful demonstrations demanding immediate rehabilitation of the road, which has been in a state of disrepair for over 20 years.

The poor condition of the highway has worsened hardships for residents and traders along the 115-kilometer stretch, affecting agricultural and commercial activities. The protesters have called on elected representatives, including Senator Eteng William Jarigbe Agom and Member Victor Abang, to prioritize the rehabilitation of the road.

They have also appealed to Governor Ben Ayade to intervene and ensure the road is fixed before the rainy season. The paramount ruler of Ikom Local Government Area, HRH Takon Atangba, has urged the youth to remain calm and avoid violence while calling for urgent intervention from President Bola Tinubu to address the deteriorating road conditions.