The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Cross River State is currently navigating a period of internal volatility as its ward and local government congresses face allegations of imposition and procedural irregularities. Despite optimistic assurances from party leadership regarding transparency, surfacing disputes in Ward 12 (Calabar South) and Abi Local Government Area are threatening to derail the credibility of the exercise. While committee heads maintain that the process remains on track, grassroots members warn that these cracks could weaken the party’s front ahead of future general elections.
The political consequence of these tensions is a direct challenge to the “unity mandate” championed by Governor Bassey Otu and the national leadership. In Abi LGA, the friction has reached a boiling point over the alleged unilateral imposition of a Chapter Chairman by the Council Chairman, Hon. Egbala Bassey. Stakeholders argue that bypassing broad consultations in favor of handpicked candidates undermines the democratic fabric of the party. If left unresolved, this “imposition culture” could lead to mass defections or voter apathy among the party’s core supporters in these key constituencies.
Analytically, the disputes center on three major points of contention. First, in Calabar South Ward 12, constituents have questioned the physical venue of the congress and the legitimacy of the supervising officials. Second, there are allegations that civil servants and individuals holding “double appointments” were illegally cleared for party positions. Finally, in Abi, stakeholders have accused local leaders of “name-dropping” the Governor to validate non-transparent ward lists a claim the Governor has reportedly distanced himself from. These issues suggest a disconnect between the screening committees and the reality on the ground.
The impact on “Internal Dispute Resolution and Party Image” is a vital dimension of this unfolding situation. Samuel Yanap, Chairman of the Congress Committee, and Prince Adetokun Bademola of the Appeal Committee, have both pledged to resolve grievances through official channels. However, members like Emmanuel Bassey Henry warn that public displays of “irresponsibility” provide easy ammunition for opposition parties. The party’s ability to handle these petitions impartially will determine whether the APC emerges from these congresses as a cohesive unit or a fragmented organization.
Furthermore, the involvement of security agencies across all 18 local government areas, as confirmed by Screening Committee Chairman Dufan Ekunekok Ojogu, underscores the high stakes involved. While the heavy security presence is intended to maintain order, it also reflects the underlying fear of violence that often accompanies contested congresses. The call for calm by party faithful like Iniobong Offiong highlights the desire among the rank and file for a peaceful transition, even as the “Incumbent vs. Newcomer” power struggles play out in the local chapters.
The long-term outlook for the APC in Cross River depends on Governor Otu’s willingness to intervene and restore a sense of inclusiveness. As the “leader of the party” in the state, his role in mediating the Abi and Calabar South disputes is critical. Failure to uphold due process could destabilize the party’s structure at the foundational level. For now, the APC congresses remain an early and difficult test of the party’s internal democracy, with the eyes of the electorate fixed on how it handles its own internal dissent.
