2027: Tension Mounts in C’River APC as Imposition Looms Ahead of Primaries
Bassey BASSEY
Tension is mounting within the All Progressives Congress in Cross River State ahead of the party’s House of Representatives primaries, as stakeholders and supporters of various aspirants have vowed to resist alleged moves to impose candidates.
Party stakeholders across several federal constituencies have called for free, fair and transparent primaries amid growing claims that certain aspirants have already been endorsed as consensus candidates by influential forces within the party.
Concerns have reportedly emerged in federal constituencies including Calabar Municipality/Odukpani, Akamkpa/Biase, Yala/Ogoja and Abi/Yakurr, where some party members are dissatisfied with the treatment allegedly being meted out to incumbent lawmakers seeking second terms.
Some stakeholders argued that first term members of the National Assembly should be allowed to complete a second term in line with what they described as an emerging position at the national level.
However, indications within the state suggest that the political leadership may not fully align with that position, fuelling speculation that several first term lawmakers could lose the party tickets ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Across the affected constituencies, party members claim that different caucuses have allegedly endorsed preferred aspirants, raising fears that the May 15 primaries may not be conducted in a competitive manner.
Some stakeholders and aspirants are disturbed that some supporters of Hon. Ngim Okpo, Dr Effiong Nta Eke, Hon. John Gaul and Dr Stella Odey in Odukpani/Calabar Municipality, Akamkpa/Biase, Abi/Yakurr and Ogoja/Yala federal constituencies respectively, are reportedly jubilating that their candidates have alleged been endorsed by party stakeholders.
Some aspirants are also alleged to have informed supporters that they are contesting based on directives from influential political figures in the state.
An aspirant from Biase Federal Constituency, who spoke on condition of anonymity, alleged that some stakeholders declined to sign his nomination forms after claiming they had been instructed by top government officials to support another aspirant, Hon. Ngim Okpo.
According to the source, the situation made the nomination process difficult and heightened tension within the constituency.
The development has reportedly created disquiet in Akamkpa and Biase federal constituency, where supporters of the incumbent lawmaker, Hon. Emil Inyang, are said to be unhappy over what they described as attempts to sideline him despite being a first term legislator.
Similar concerns have also emerged in Odukpani and Calabar Municipality Federal Constituency, where some stakeholders alleged that former Chairman of Calabar Municipality, Dr Effiong Nta Eke, is being quietly promoted as a consensus candidate ahead of the primaries.
The stakeholders insist that it is the turn of Odukpani Local Government Area to complete its second term in the constituency arrangement, arguing that the incumbent lawmaker, Hon. Bassey Akiba, deserves another opportunity to contest.
The constituency currently has four major aspirants cleared for the primaries, including Hon. Bassey Akiba, Dr Effiong Nta Eke, Dr Emma Mbora and Mrs Peace Bassey.
There were also indications that Apostle James Anam may have withdrawn from the race, leaving the remaining aspirants to contest the party ticket.
Meanwhile, supporters of Dr Nta Eke are reportedly campaigning across the constituency, describing him as the preferred candidate of influential figures within Government House.
Reacting to the development, a stakeholder from Odukpani, Asuquo Asuquo, said some leaders in the area were already mobilising support to ensure that Akiba secures the party ticket.
“It will amount to injustice if Odukpani is denied the opportunity to complete its turn. We believe the governor should allow fairness and equity to prevail in the process,” he said.
Asuquo also dismissed claims that some aspirants had already secured endorsements from powerful political interests, insisting that party members would not be intimidated.
“We know the tactics of using the names of powerful individuals to intimidate opponents. That will not stop genuine party members from pursuing their aspirations,” he added.
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