Anam Rallies APC Stakeholders for Hitch Free Congress in Calabar, Welcomes William Archibong to APC Fold
By Ekanem Asuquo
The Mayor of Calabar, Apostle Hon James Anam, has called for unity, loyalty and discipline among members of the All Progressives Congress ahead of the party’s ward and local government congresses in Calabar Municipality.slated for Wednesday and Friday this week respectively.
Anam made the appeal during a stakeholders meeting attended by serving and former public office holders as well as party chieftains.
Addressing the gathering, the mayor urged party stalwarts to close ranks and work collectively to ensure a peaceful and successful congress, stressing that internal cohesion remains vital to the strength of the party at the grassroots.
He charged members to place the party’s broader objectives above personal ambitions, particularly as preparations intensify for future elections.
“Our primary focus is to guarantee landslide victories for President Tinubu and our governor, Prince Bassey Otu. This assignment is above every private interest. It supersedes every personal and selfish interest. Let this be our priority,” Anam said.
The council chairman emphasized the need for unwavering commitment to the reelection of Bola Tinubu and continued support for Bassey Otu, noting that unity at the municipal level would translate into electoral success at the state and national levels.
Anam also condemned what he described as clandestine moves by some individuals aimed at undermining the unity and cohesion of the party in Calabar Municipality. He warned that such actions would not be tolerated and assured that party leadership would take necessary steps to preserve discipline and order.
The meeting also witnessed a major political boost for the APC with the defection of a former caucus leader of the Peoples Democratic Party in Calabar Municipality, Sir Williams Archibong, to the ruling party.
Speaking at the event, Archibong said he was moved to join the APC by what he described as Governor Otu’s determination to restore the lost glory of the state. He pointed to ongoing infrastructure renewal across the state and efforts to address what he termed the injustice arising from the allocation of some oil wells to Akwa Ibom State as part of his reasons.
He described Prince Otu as a dogged and pragmatic leader who deserves the support of all well meaning Cross Riverians to achieve his development agenda.
Responding, Anam expressed delight over the defection and commended Archibong for what he called a bold and timely decision.
“We are delighted to have you. You are one of our biggest catches. Your experience and expertise will be an asset to our great party as we consolidate on our achievements and strengthen our position ahead of 2027,” Anam said.
In separate remarks, APC chieftains in Cross River South, including Etinyin Prof Eyo Etim Nyong, Etinyin Dr Asuquo Ekpenyong OON,Vice Chairman of the State Planning Commission Bong Duke, APC leader in ward six Prof Offiong Ani and Chairman of Akpabuyo Local Government Hon Prince Effiom Bassey , applauded the defection, describing it as long overdue and a significant gain for the party in Calabar Municipality.
Stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to conducting a hitch free congress and deepening unity within the APC structure across all wards in the municipality.
