Grassroot Forum Condemns Plot to Oust APC Acting Chairman in Cross River State
By Missang AKPET
The Ikom Grassroot Progressives Forum have condemned a plot to remove Comrade Ekum Ekok Ojogu as Acting Chairman of the APC in Cross River State, describing it as a "dangerous and selfish" move.
The forum alleges the plot is driven by individuals seeking to exploit the party for personal gain, rather than genuine concerns about leadership stating that the move undermines party unity and sets a bad precedence ahead of the 2027 elections
in a strong statement on Sunday, the forum described the move as an unfortunate and deeply troubling development stemming from a calculated scheme by certain self-serving individuals within the Cross River state APC who seek to unseat the Acting Chairman.
"This plot did not come because the Chairman failed, neither did it come because he is incompetent or weak, It simply came simply because he refused to be used to sponsor the illegal and reckless removal of some elected officers, in Cross River State.
"Instead of respecting due process, party constitution, and internal democracy, some people have chosen the road of conspiracy, blackmail, and political sabotage.
Even more painful is the fact that some of our own brothers and sisters from Ikom are now allegedly conniving with elements from Obudu to destabilize the state party structure, where is this spirit of intolerance and destruction coming from? Since when did personal ambition become more important than party unity and stability?" the forum lamented.
The forum expressed confidence on the acting chairman Comrade Ojogu describing him as a loyal party man who has over the years contributed his quota to the growth and stability of the party.
"Comrade Ekum Ekok Ojogu is a dedicated party stalwart who has served loyally and effectively, earning his position through commitment and hard work. His leadership is being undermined not due to his performance but because others are driven by selfish interests and a desire for power. In his case, integrity and commitment to due process is being unfairly punished, this is not about local government or zonal issues but about power struggles and impatience.
"You don’t strengthen a party by humiliating its leadership and you don’t win elections by creating permanent internal wars, this is the time for wisdom and restraint." they said.
On the rumored plot to zone the state chairmanship of the party to Northern Cross River, the grouped maintained that the APC in Cross River State does not need to zone the chairmanship to Obudu to win elections in the North.
Citing past elections, they explained that the party has won major elections without Obudu producing the chairman, citing Senator John Owan Enoh, Senator Jarigbe and former Governor Ben Ayade's successes.
"With key positions already held by Cross River North, including the Senator, Deputy Governor, and strategic appointments, the zone is politically strong.
"The party's strength lies in unity, structure, credibility, competence and strategic leadership and not emotional politics nor sentimental zoning.
The forum however urged party leaders, elders, and stakeholders to intervene and halt this destructive plot before it's too late while encouraging stakeholders and state actors of the party to prioritize party unity and protect party structure adding that APC in Cross River State must transcend personal ambition.
