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Ukorebi Esien | April 19, 2026
CALABAR – The Chief Whip of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Hilary Ekpang Bisong, has formally declared his intention to contest for the House of Representatives seat for Ikom/Boki Federal Constituency in the 2027 general elections, unveiling an unconventional “one-term covenant” that is already drawing attention across the state’s political landscape.
In a formal declaration done recently, the three-term lawmaker said his decision to seek election to the Green Chamber is driven by a commitment to deliver focused and result-oriented representation, rather than pursue a prolonged political career.
Central to his campaign is a pledge to serve only one term of four years if elected, a move he described as a deliberate strategy to ensure undivided attention to governance and accelerated constituency development.
“Four years. No re-election strategy. No compromise to protect a political future. Just total, undivided, fearless service from the first day to the last,” Bisong stated in his intent message.
He explained that the one-term covenant reflects the values of equity and leadership rotation within the constituency, while also addressing concerns about political office being treated as a career rather than a platform for service.
Bisong, who has represented Boki II State Constituency since 2015 and previously served as Deputy Leader before his current role as Chief Whip, said his aspiration is the product of extensive consultations and engagement with constituents across the wards of Ikom and Boki.
According to him, the move to seek a federal legislative seat is informed by a desire to expand the scope of his impact, particularly in facilitating access to federal resources and addressing long-standing infrastructural deficits in the constituency.
He cited the deplorable condition of the Ikom-Obudu highway as a major concern, recalling a recent incident in which a pregnant woman and her unborn child reportedly died due to the poor state of the road. Describing the situation as unacceptable, Bisong pledged to prioritize legislative action and high-level advocacy to secure federal intervention.
Beyond infrastructure, the APC chieftain outlined a comprehensive development agenda that includes job creation through active lobbying for federal employment opportunities, establishment of a Constituency Business Grant Programme, and organisation of an investment summit to attract funding for agro-processing and small-scale enterprises.
He also proposed expanding access to primary healthcare, advocating for inclusive health insurance for vulnerable groups, and introducing mobile medical outreach services to underserved communities.
Addressing social challenges, Bisong highlighted youth unemployment, migration, and substance abuse as pressing issues, proposing the establishment of a drug rehabilitation centre and structured mentorship programmes to redirect young people toward productive ventures.
On economic development, he emphasized the strategic importance of the constituency’s border location, pledging to promote regulated cross-border trade with Cameroon as a means of boosting local commerce and transforming the area into an economic corridor.
The lawmaker further promised a transparent approach to governance, including public documentation of constituency allocations, projects, and legislative decisions, as well as a clear succession framework to ensure continuity and inclusiveness in leadership.
While reaffirming his loyalty to the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bisong called for a fair, transparent, and democratic primary process, expressing confidence that party members and constituents would support his candidacy.
“I am not asking for time to prove myself. I have demonstrated capacity over twelve years of consistent legislative service. I am asking for one term to move mountains,” he said.
Bisong’s declaration sets the stage for what is expected to be a competitive race for the Ikom/Boki federal seat, with his one-term covenant introducing a distinct narrative into the unfolding 2027 electoral contest.
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