Cross River Youths Threaten to Boycott 2027 Elections Over Abandoned Federal Road

Tension rose in parts of Cross River State on Tuesday as youths from Ikom, Boki and Etung Local Government Areas took to the streets to protest the poor condition of the Ikom-Obudu Federal Highway.

The demonstration focused on the long-neglected road linking several communities in the northern axis of the state.

Protesters blocked sections of the highway while displaying placards to draw attention to their demands. They warned that their participation in the 2027 general elections would depend on urgent government action on the road.

“We will not participate in the 2027 general elections if this road is not fixed,” one of the youths said.

A youth leader from Ikom Local Government Area, Comrade Adam Asuquo, said the road had remained in a terrible state for more than two decades. He described it as unsafe and unfit for travellers.

“the road has been abandoned for over 20 years and the youths described it as a traveller’s nightmare.”

Another protester said the continued neglect of the highway had slowed development in their communities and worsened hardship for residents.

“This road is a major obstacle to our development and it’s time something is done about it,” another protester said.

The Ikom-Obudu road spans about 115 kilometres and passes through five local government areas. It serves as a major route for farm produce, traders and transporters moving between Cross River North and other parts of the state.

“The road’s condition is hampering our economic growth, and it’s unacceptable,” a youth leader stated.

During the protest, the youths called on their elected officials to act without delay. They mentioned Senator Eteng Williams, Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe and the House of Representatives member for Ikom/Boki Federal Constituency, Victor Abang, as those who should lead efforts to rehabilitate the road.

“We urge our leaders to fix this road before the rainy season,” one of the protesters said.

They also appealed directly to Governor Bassey Otu to step in and ensure the federal highway is repaired.

“The government must act now to save this road,” another protester added.

According to the protesters, five members of the National Assembly are linked to the corridor and should be held responsible for pushing the project forward.

“Our representatives must be held accountable for this neglected road,” a protest leader said.

The protest reflects growing frustration among residents who say the bad road has increased transport costs, reduced access to markets and discouraged business activities in the area.

Reacting to the situation, the Paramount Ruler of Ikom Local Government Area, HRH Takon Atangba, urged the youths to remain peaceful and avoid violence.

He appealed to the Federal Government and President Bola Tinubu to intervene urgently and approve rehabilitation work on the highway.

The monarch said the failing road had weakened the local economy of Ikom, Etung and Boki communities and deepened the suffering of farmers and traders.

He also advised the protesters to clear the highway to allow motorcycle riders and farmers move freely to transport agricultural produce from their farms.