Former African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate Effiong Nyong has alleged that elections in Cross River State are mere “selections,” claiming the state still lacks the credibility and transparency enjoyed elsewhere.

Speaking in Calabar, Nyong said the state’s electoral process remains manipulated.
“Today in Cross River State, we still do not really have elections. What we see is people programming people. We have people selecting people,” he said.

He argued that Cross River needs a political “reset,” particularly in its public schools and governance systems.

Nyong also criticised the state’s power infrastructure management, recalling that former governor Ben Ayade built a 23-megawatt power plant meant to provide 24-hour electricity in Calabar.
He alleged that the current APC-led administration has allowed the plant to deteriorate instead of converting it from diesel to gas.

The ADC chieftain accused the government of valuing loyalty and political affiliation over competence in appointments. He also faulted the administration for tightening control over local government funds.

“Local government chairmen cannot even award simple contracts to cut grass or undertake basic tasks,” he said.
According to him, councils receive between N120 million and N150 million monthly but require state approval before spending.

Nyong warned that poor road networks would cripple tourism and the famed annual carnival.
“Today, you cannot come into Calabar through any road for tourism or the carnival. Why would people take the risk when the Christmas carnival is now being replicated in Akwa Ibom?” he added.