Tensions are rising within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Cross River State, Nigeria, amid allegations that the party’s chairman, Alphonsus Eba, is attempting to impose former Governor Ben Ayade as the senatorial candidate for Cross River North in 2027. This move has sparked discontent among party members, who claim that Eba’s actions are motivated by personal loyalty to Ayade, rather than the party’s interests.

The controversy has been further fueled by Eba’s alleged plans to seek re-election as party chairman, which has angered chapter chairmen who are reportedly unhappy with his leadership. In a recent communique, 18 APC chapter chairmen and secretaries accused Eba of corruption and other misconduct, calling for his resignation. The situation escalated yesterday, as party members blocked access to the state party secretariat in Calabar, protesting Eba’s alleged manipulation of party structures to favor Ayade.

The development has raised concerns among stakeholders, who fear that Eba’s actions could destabilize the party, particularly in the wake of Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe’s recent defection from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC. Jarigbe’s move was seen as a significant boost for the APC in the northern district, which has traditionally been dominated by the PDP.

According to Dr. Joseph Odok, a public affairs analyst and lecturer at the University of Calabar, any attempt to impose Ayade on the party would be counterproductive. “The state chairman should not be seen as central to any plot to impose personal preferences on the party,” Odok said, emphasizing the need for urgent internal reforms to strengthen inclusivity, transparency, and accountability within the party.

Eba has dismissed the allegations and calls for his resignation as politically motivated, accusing the chapter chairmen of embezzling party funds. The chairman’s defiance has only added to the tensions, with the party’s internal conflicts threatening to undermine its chances in future elections. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the APC will address the concerns of its members and stakeholders, and whether the party can overcome its internal divisions to maintain its relevance in Cross River State.