"Why Now?" — Ikom/Boki Residents Question Victor Abang's Last-Minute School Renovations, Says Reps Member is Desperate.

With less than six months to the build-up for the 2027 general elections, the recent renovation of public school classrooms by the member representing Ikom/Boki Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Victor Abang, has triggered fresh conversations across communities in Ikom and Boki.

In recent weeks, videos and photographs shared by the lawmaker's aides have shown renovation work taking place in some government primary schools, particularly in Ikom Local Government Area. One of the projects currently attracting attention is the renovation of a three-classroom block at a government primary school in Alok community.

While some residents have welcomed the intervention, many others say the projects have come too late and are too small compared to what they expected from a federal lawmaker after almost three years in office.

For months, many constituents had openly questioned the absence of visible constituency projects in both Ikom and Boki. Across social media, community meetings and political discussions, residents repeatedly asked what major legacy projects had been delivered since Hon. Victor Abang assumed office.

The recent classroom renovations have therefore been interpreted differently by different people.

Some believe it is better to do something than nothing. Others argue that the projects are only appearing now because another election season is approaching.

Several residents who spoke to Boki Blog Africa questioned why a member of the House of Representatives would focus on renovating just three classrooms in selected schools instead of constructing complete modern school buildings or carrying out full renovations of existing schools.

According to them, constituency intervention projects executed through federal lawmakers are expected to have a wider impact, especially in communities where schools have suffered years of neglect.

One resident said, "If a school has ten or twelve classrooms, why renovate only three? What happens to the remaining classrooms where children still learn under poor conditions?"

Another resident argued that if education is truly the priority, communities deserve projects that completely transform schools rather than partial renovations.

The issue gained more attention after popular Cross River entertainer and social commentator MC Okrika publicly reacted to the development. He stated that, as a private individual, he had renovated complete schools, questioning why a federal lawmaker with access to constituency intervention funds would renovate only a few classrooms in different schools.

His comments quickly circulated online, adding to the growing public debate.

Beyond the classroom projects themselves, many constituents say their greatest concern remains accountability and communication.

Some residents argue that throughout much of the current tenure, there has been limited public engagement on constituency projects, making it difficult for many people to know exactly what has been attracted to Ikom and Boki or how available intervention funds have been utilised.

According to them, the recent wave of project publicity is coming only after months of criticism from constituents demanding visible performance.

Political observers also believe the changing political atmosphere in the constituency may be contributing to the renewed activity.

The emergence of Hon. Abang Pius Besong as a prominent opposition figure has changed conversations ahead of 2027. Through public engagements and growing grassroots support reflected in several independent online and street opinion polls, he has continued to position himself as a strong alternative voice for many residents.

While there is no evidence that the classroom renovations are connected to political competition, some critics believe the increasing pressure from opposition figures and growing public scrutiny may have encouraged the renewed pace of visible constituency projects.

Supporters of Hon. Victor Abang, however, may argue that development should be appreciated regardless of when it comes, and that renovating schools remains an important investment in children's education.

But many constituents insist that timing also matters.

For them, the question is no longer whether classrooms are being renovated. The question is why such visible interventions are only becoming common after years of complaints and at a time when another election is drawing closer.

As 2027 approaches, the people of Ikom and Boki may judge not only the fresh paint on classroom walls, but also the memories of the years before the paint arrived.

In politics, buildings can be renovated in weeks, but public trust often takes much longer to rebuild. And when the people begin to ask not just what is being done, but why now, every block laid, every wall painted and every ribbon cut becomes part of a much bigger conversation—one that will ultimately be decided, not on construction sites, but at the ballot box.