APC Moves to Heal Primary Election Rifts, Constitutes Reconciliation Committees in Cross River
By Ebi COLLINS
The Cross River State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has constituted Senatorial District Reconciliation Committees as part of efforts to strengthen party unity and address grievances arising from its recently concluded primary elections.
The move, approved by the State Chairman of the party, Christopher Sunny Eta, comes in the wake of the APC primaries conducted for the National Assembly, State Assembly, Governorship and Presidential elections.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the State Publicity Secretary, Hon. Emmanuel Edem Inyang, the committees are expected to engage party stakeholders across the three senatorial districts with a view to fostering reconciliation, promoting inclusiveness and consolidating the party’s strength ahead of future political engagements.
For the Southern Senatorial District, former Minister of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, Edem Duke, will chair the committee. Other members include Hon. Ekpo Ekpo Bassey, Sir William Archibong, Prof. Paul Itari, Mrs. Kate Okon and Dr. David Okon, while Engr. Effiong Bassey will serve as secretary.
In the Central Senatorial District, Chief Ebuta Ayuk was named chairman of the reconciliation committee. He will work alongside Elder Bolaji Anani, Prof. Anim Ajake, Prof. John Inyang, Chief Barr. George Ekpungu and Prof. Alice Ekwu, with Barr. Bassey Okim serving as secretary.
For the Northern Senatorial District, former Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Larry Odey, will head the committee. Other members are Chief Signor Omang Idiege, Chief Tony Udiandeye, Hon. Rita Ayin, Hon. Paddy Ogar and Hon. Maurice Evey, while Barr. Mike Aniah will serve as secretary.
The APC said the committees were carefully selected to reflect experience, credibility and broad acceptability within the party, enabling them to effectively mediate concerns and promote unity among members.
The inauguration of the committees has been scheduled for Monday, June 8, 2026, at the APC State Secretariat. The event is expected to commence at 12 noon.
During the inauguration, committee members will receive their Terms of Reference, which will guide their engagements and reconciliation efforts across the three senatorial districts.
Party officials expressed confidence that the initiative would further strengthen internal democracy and deepen cohesion among party faithful following the keenly contested primary elections.
The APC noted that while the primaries had successfully produced candidates for various elective offices, the reconciliation process was necessary to ensure that all stakeholders remained united in pursuit of the party’s collective objectives.
The party reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining internal harmony and fostering a spirit of inclusiveness, stressing that unity remains critical to sustaining its political dominance in the state.
