As the 2027 general elections draw closer, House of Representatives candidate under the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Ededem Hogan, has pledged to make the resettlement of displaced Bakassi indigenes and the completion of the Bakassi Deep Seaport his legislative priorities if elected.

During a consultative visit to the Ikang Town Council in Bakassi Local Government Area, Cross River State, Hogan met with traditional rulers, youth leaders, women leaders, and elders of Ikang and Ikot Effiom communities. He emphasized that his campaign could not begin without first seeking the blessings of the Bakassi people, describing Ikang as the “historic and spiritual headquarters of the Bakassi nation.”

“Bakassi has sacrificed so much for Nigeria. Your cries over loss of ancestral homes, lack of access roads, schools, health centres and neglect must be heard loudly in Abuja,” Hogan declared.

Community leaders outlined their pressing concerns, including the deplorable state of the Ikang–Calabar road, unfulfilled resettlement promises following the ceding of the Bakassi Peninsula, dwindling fishing livelihoods, and insecurity on the waterways.

Village head of Ikang, His Highness Chief Antigha Antigha Cobham II, lamented the absence of federal presence despite Bakassi’s strategic location as Nigeria’s Atlantic gateway. Youth leader Prince Linus Asuquo demanded inclusion of Bakassi youths in maritime security and the Deep Seaport project, while Mrs. Rose Umoh, representing women leaders, called for empowerment of fish processors, improved market access, and healthcare facilities for riverine communities.

In outlining his vision, Hogan presented a comprehensive legislative agenda that he said would directly address the long-standing neglect of Bakassi.

 He promised to sponsor a motion for the urgent completion of the Bakassi access road and its linkage to the Deep Seaport corridor, while also working with relevant stakeholders and agencies to restore electricity to the local government area.

 He also pledged to push for the full implementation of the Green Tree Agreement resettlement package for displaced families, and to facilitate grants, fishing inputs, cold chain facilities, and loans to support fishermen and women processors whose livelihoods have been dwindling.

Hogan further assured the people that he would establish a Constituency Liaison Office in Ikang to ensure direct engagement with constituents, and advocate for special funding to strengthen riverine education and primary healthcare. He emphasized that youth economic empowerment would be central to his agenda, promising to implement sustainable programmes and provide support for small and medium enterprises in Bakassi.
According to him, these measures would not only restore dignity to the displaced people of Bakassi but also unlock the economic potential of the region, making it a hub of opportunity for its residents.

“I am not coming to make empty promises. I am coming to give Bakassi a voice that will be heard in the National Assembly. What Cross River gave away, we must recover through development,” Hogan assured.

The Town Council offered prayers and traditional blessings, urging him to remain accessible to the grassroots and inclusive in his campaign.
Political observers note that Bakassi, with its symbolic importance and significant voting bloc, will play a decisive role in determining the outcome of the Bakassi/Akpabuyo/Calabar South Federal Constituency race in 2027.