A group known as the Northern Cross River Reconciliation Movement (NCRRM) has demanded accountability from Alphonsus Eba, the chairman of the state ruling party, for the funds received during the last general elections. They have emphasized that if he fails to provide a transparent report on the received donations, it is essential for him to step down from his position, especially in light of the party’s significant electoral defeats across various levels.
In a statement released on a Friday evening, signed by chairman Mr. Bernard Injuo, NCRRM also urged Eba to issue an apology for the alleged mismanagement that resulted in the party’s decline. They alleged that substantial donations were made to the party by APC aspirants in preparation for the 2023 general elections, with a cumulative sum of N200 million contributed by aspirants seeking party tickets across the state.
According to the group, additional donations were received from prominent benefactors, with specific details including Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong’s N25 million, Chief Chris Agara’s N20 million, Senator John Owan Eno’s N10 million, and several others. They claimed that Eba was in receipt of these funds and expressed disappointment that he had not provided a clear account of these finances or the outcome of the election, particularly in the northern district where the party suffered substantial losses.
The group also expressed astonishment that Eba had allegedly not utilized the N50 million released to him for the purchase of official cars for himself and other state party executive officers.
In response, Eba defended the financial transparency of the party, asserting that all financial transactions, including expenses during the general elections, are accounted for and duly documented.
The party issued a statement rejecting the calls for Eba’s resignation, dismissing them as laughable, childish, and the work of political opponents engaging in anti-party activities. They asserted that Eba would not resign until 2026 when his tenure expires, citing the party’s commendable performance in the general and rerun elections despite challenges.
The party termed the resignation narrative as an attempt by detractors to divert attention from critical issues within the party, including conspiracies, anti-party activities, and betrayals.
The ongoing demand for transparency in electoral funds and the ensuing defense from the party’s leadership reflect the deep-seated tensions within the APC in Cross River State, as both sides present their perspectives amidst growing unease and scrutiny.
