Politics
Youths in three LGAs threaten 2027 election boycott over deplorable Ikom–Obudu highway
Youths from Ikom, Boki and Etung local government areas of Cross River State have threatened to boycott the 2027 general elections unless urgent repairs are carried out on the long-abandoned Ikom–Obudu federal highway.
The youths said repeated appeals to relevant authorities over the deplorable state of the road have yielded no result, leaving residents trapped with what they described as a “traveller’s nightmare” that has crippled economic and social life in the area.
Yesterday, protesters from the three councils staged a peaceful demonstration along the Ikom–Obudu axis, temporarily disrupting movement as they demanded immediate rehabilitation of the highway.
Placards carried during the protest warned of non-participation in future elections if the road remains neglected.
One of the protesters declared that the youths would not take part in the 2027 polls if the road is not fixed, insisting that access roads are fundamental to development and political participation.
Speaking during the protest, a youth leader in Ikom Local Government Area, Comrade Adam Asuquo, said the road has been abandoned for over 20 years, despite its strategic importance to the region.
He noted that the poor condition of the highway has worsened hardship for residents and traders.
The 115-kilometre Ikom–Obudu road cuts across five local government areas and serves as a major route for agriculture, commerce and inter-community movement.
Protesters said its continued deterioration has severely hampered economic activities across the affected areas.
The youths called on their elected representatives, including Senators Eteng Williams and Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, as well as the member representing Ikom/Boki Federal Constituency, Victor Abang, to urgently prioritise the rehabilitation of the road ahead of the rainy season.
They also appealed to Governor Bassey Otu to intervene, stressing that five National Assembly members are linked to oversight of the road and must be held accountable for its prolonged neglect.
Reacting to the protest, the Paramount Ruler of Ikom Local Government Area, HRH Takon Atangba, urged the youths to remain calm and avoid violence.
He appealed to President Bola Tinubu to urgently intervene by directing the rehabilitation of the Ikom–Obudu federal highway, warning that the worsening road conditions is dragging down the economy of Ikom, Etung and Boki.
