Chief Okoi Obono-Obla
By Anietie Akpan
Former presidential adviser, Chief Okoi Obono-Obla has expressed fears that implosion is inevitable in the 2027 primaries of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Cross River State if things are not done right with fairness.
The APC chieftain in an interview on Wednesday with some newsmen said that, an implosion could only happen if party members suspect foul play in the processes, as they prepare for the elections and this would be counter-productive.
To avoid implosion in APC in the state, Chief Obono-Obla advocated for a transparent and inclusive processes for the selection of candidates for the 2027 elections.
He lamented that those of them who were founding members of the party were not treated fairly and urged leaders of the party in the state to copy the example of Lagos State, where all stakeholders have been part of the processes for the emergence of candidates for the forthcoming elections.
“The party has been hijacked. I have no doubt in my mind if what I have been seeing since 2023 is anything to go by. I am afraid that the APC in Cross River State may likely implode if a sincere, open, transparent, and democratic stakeholders’ meeting is not immediately convened—one that invites all shades of people from diverse ideological backgrounds, wings, and tendencies, and allows them to freely air their opinions, prisms, and perspectives on how to navigate the nomination of candidates.
“If the same system employed during the last Ward, Local Government, and State Congresses, as well as the last Local Government nomination of candidates—where very committed and loyal members of the Party were excluded, then the Party will bottle up resentment, ill feelings, and rebellion that could snowball into anti‑party activities during the 2027 general elections.
“The time has come for stakeholders to discuss, deliberate and forge a consensus on the forthcoming primary election. Are we going to have a primary election or a consensus? Already, in Lagos State, such a forum has been convened and a consensus forged on the way forward. It is high time we did the same in Cross River State. The seeming peace in APC Cross River State today is nothing more than the peace of the graveyard—eerily quiet but deeply unsettled.
“We must return to the consensus and unity that once enabled us to fight with one purpose and spectacularly win elections. At present, that unity is no longer there, even though members grumble quietly in beer parlours and in the inner recesses of their hearts.”
Chief Obono-Obla also stated that, there was an urgent need for genuine reconciliation in the state so that those who were aggrieved as a result of what they experienced during the recent congresses can bury their hatchet and join in the battle to keep the party in the winning ways.
There is growing disquiet in the heartbeat of Cross River State. Indeed, it remains the bulwark and mediating ground between Southern and Northern Cross River, culturally, historically, and he said, “if nothing is done now to reconcile differences, close the gap, and establish a deliberate process of appeasement, the situation could convulse into turmoil—degenerating into a political conflagration that may erupt during the general elections. I do not wish for this to happen, because I love Cross River State and our party passionately and desire the best for her people and government as we continue to navigate through uncharted territories.”
According to him, with transparent primaries, party members would have the privilege of pushing those with proven track records of performance to win elections, while those who did not serve well would be denied such opportunities.
For example, he said, “some members of the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly have performed below par. Many have grown arrogant, swollen‑headed, inaccessible and unapproachable, demonstrating traits of reluctant and uninspiring leadership.
“A number of them have thoughtlessly failed to return to their constituents, party members and leaders who sacrificed their livelihoods, comfort, and resources to secure their election. For three years, they have not even offered a simple “thank you.” These representatives have become detached, dodgy, and shifty in their relationship with the people.
“Yet, there are others who have performed exceptionally well. They remain close to their constituents. Leaders of this kind—humane, compassionate, accessible, and committed to servant leadership—deserve recognition.
“The Party should allow us to use its internal elections as a barometer to appreciate such leaders and, conversely, as a mechanism to show the backdoor to those who have failed. There must be no imposition by party oligarchs seeking to handpick candidates. Otherwise, the implosion that has been warned about will surely occur.”
