The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Cross River State has issued a formal apology after mistakenly including deceased Major General Edward Ushie Unimna and Justice Emmanuel Agim, a former Supreme Court justice and current Vice Chancellor, among stakeholders invited to a meeting with Governor Bassey Edet Otu.
The error emerged following the circulation of an invitation list for the APC’s stakeholders’ pre-congress meeting, scheduled for February 16, 2026, at the Calabar International Convention Centre. Public criticism quickly mounted across the state and on social media, focusing on the inclusion of judicial officers, academic leaders, and the late general, whose name appeared despite his death and burial in 2025.
In a statement dated February 15, 2026, and signed by state Publicity Secretary Emmanuel Edem Inyang, the party admitted the oversight. It formally withdrew the names of Justice Agim, University of Calabar Vice Chancellor Prof. Offiong Offiong, University of Cross River State Prof. Francisca Bassey, and Chief Magistrate David Edogi, all of whom were incorrectly listed as APC stakeholders. The statement expressed “unreserved apologies” and urged the public to disregard the initial list.
The inclusion of Justice Agim, a senior judicial figure, drew particular scrutiny. Federal university vice chancellors frequently serve as Returning Officers in national elections, a role requiring strict political neutrality. His listing, along with other non-partisan officials, raised concerns about the party’s adherence to protocols that safeguard electoral integrity and public trust.
The erroneous mention of General Unimna further intensified questions about the verification process behind the invitation list, with many observers criticizing a lack of due diligence. The incident highlights the sensitivity around associating impartial public officials with partisan activities, a practice that could undermine confidence in both electoral bodies and state institutions.
The apology follows heightened attention on the APC’s preparations for its pre-congress gathering, a key event for rallying support ahead of internal party elections. Governor Bassey Edet Otu, who leads the Cross River State government, is a member of the APC. The party’s swift correction aims to contain reputational damage and ensure the meeting proceeds without further controversy, reinforcing the need for rigorous checks in political communications.
