Alphonsus Eba has unequivocally declared that he remains the chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Cross River State, contrary to claims of his suspension by a group within the party.
The group, identifying themselves as stakeholders of the party, attempted to suspend Eba indefinitely, appointing Mr. James Alicha as the acting state chairman in his stead. This move was outlined in a letter signed by Chief Mark Nomba Ayo and Chief Mathias Ake, as Chairman and Secretary, respectively.
In response, Eba dismissed these claims during a phone interview with Media Talk Africa, asserting his position as the legitimate party chairman. He emphasized his physical presence at the party’s Secretariat in Calabar, challenging the validity of any suspension.
The group accused Eba of breaching the party’s constitution, behaving as a sole administrator, and displaying authoritarian traits since assuming office. Despite these allegations, Eba remains resolute in his leadership role, backed by a significant portion of the party’s membership in the state.
The letter detailing Eba’s alleged transgressions was addressed to the National Chairman of the APC, with copies sent to the state governor, Department of State Services (DSS), Commissioner of Police, and Resident Electoral Commissioner.
The power struggle within the Cross River State APC sheds light on the internal dynamics of the party, underscoring the importance of leadership stability and adherence to party regulations. Eba’s steadfast claim to the chairmanship position sets the stage for a potential showdown as the party navigates through this period of uncertainty.