Youths in Cross River demand urgent repair of the Ikom–Obudu Highway, warning they may boycott the 2027 elections over poor road conditions
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.
Also read: Cross River Governor hails Carnival Calabar’s global impact
The protesters staged a peaceful demonstration along the Ikom–Obudu axis on Monday, temporarily disrupting movement while demanding immediate rehabilitation of the 115-kilometre road, which has been neglected for over 20 years.
Placards carried during the protest warned of non-participation in future elections if the highway remains in disrepair.
Comrade Adam Asuquo, a youth leader in Ikom Local Government Area, described the route as a “traveller’s nightmare” that has crippled economic and social activities across the region.
The Ikom–Obudu highway connects five local government areas and is a major route for agriculture, commerce and inter-community movement.
Protesters said its continued deterioration has severely hampered trade and livelihoods.
The youths called on elected representatives, including Senators Eteng Williams and Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, as well as the member representing Ikom/Boki Federal Constituency, Victor Abang, to prioritise rehabilitation of the road ahead of the rainy season.
They also appealed to Governor Bassey Otu to intervene and hold National Assembly members accountable for the 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.
Also read: Cross River Integrity Push as Otu Dissolves Service Board
He also appealed to President Bola Tinubu to direct immediate rehabilitation of the highway, warning that the worsening conditions are dragging down the economy of Ikom, Etung and Boki.
