The Chairman of Young Progressives Party (YPP) and former IPAC Chairman in Cross River State, Anthony Bissong Attah, has strongly criticized the recent endorsement of Governor Bassey Otu for a second term by ruling party leaders from the state senatorial district.

In a statement released on Sunday, Attah questioned the rationale behind the endorsement, pointing out that Governor Otu has failed to prioritize the development of Ikom, which he described as the economic capital and second-largest city in Cross River State.

According to Attah, after focusing on rebranding the state capital, Calabar, the governor bypassed the central district to develop Ogoja, allegedly because Deputy Governor Peter Odey hails from there.

"Ikom is currently the biggest emerging city centre without a tertiary institution in Africa," Attah stated. "It is indeed a developing city without government presence. Individuals take responsibility for virtually everything—they provide their own light, water, security, health, and other basic amenities, yet the government generates stupendous revenue from the town and its environs."

The opposition leader described Ikom as the 'global headquarters' of bad roads, noting that potholes adorn major streets and connecting communities. He expressed disappointment that despite having prominent figures from the area in government—including the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Elvert Ayambem, and the Secretary to the State Governor, Prof. Anthony Owan-Enoh—Ikom continues to suffer neglect.

"Why should Ikom be treated as the patient dog, always having to wait till forever? How about the neighboring LGAs? We should be celebrating the completion of projects and not the award of contracts after two years without contractors mobilizing to the site," Attah questioned.

While acknowledging that the governor should not bear the entire blame for the situation, Attah maintained that Governor Otu shares responsibility for not prioritizing Ikom's development during his administration.

The YPP chairman ultimately described the May 10, 2025 endorsement of Governor Otu as "an endorsement of darkness," suggesting that the leaders from the region are supporting continued neglect of their communities.

As the 2027 elections approach, this criticism highlights growing tensions within Cross River State's political landscape, particularly regarding the equitable distribution of development projects across the state's regions.