In Cross River State, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is facing internal turmoil as stakeholders and key sponsors demand the immediate resignation of party chairman Alphonsus Eba and his executive committee. Despite mounting pressure, the exco recently reaffirmed Eba as their leader, sparking further controversy.
Former presidential aide Chief Okoi Obono-Obla has come out in support of Eba, emphasizing the need to follow the party’s constitution in any removal process. However, other prominent figures like Chief Higgins Peters have been vocal in their criticism of Eba’s leadership, citing poor electoral performances in recent elections as the primary reason for their call for change.
In a bold statement, Eba defiantly declared that not even a billion-dollar figure could force him out of office, further escalating tensions within the party. Peters, on the other hand, clarified that the demand for Eba’s resignation stems from a collective dissatisfaction with the entire exco’s performance, not just Eba himself.
Highlighting the failures of the party leadership in past elections, Peters questioned the unprecedented losses suffered under Eba’s tenure, including a defeat in a senatorial district election where a sitting governor was unsuccessful. He emphasized that the party’s inability to secure victories in crucial races reflects a broader systemic failure that necessitates a change in leadership.
Despite Eba’s resistance, Peters and other critics remain steadfast in their call for accountability and transparency within the APC. They argue that the party’s constitution allows for the removal of underperforming officials to uphold the integrity of the organization and ensure its future success.
As the debate rages on, the fate of Alphonsus Eba and the APC’s leadership hangs in the balance, with stakeholders and supporters alike watching closely to see how the situation unfolds. The internal power struggle within the party serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing political organizations in Nigeria and the importance of effective leadership in navigating turbulent times.
