Let it be said clearly: any candidate who emerges under the current structure must be prepared to build their own political machinery, as support from the state party apparatus is far from guaranteed—and in some cases, may even be actively undermined.
Recently, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River State demonstrated an uncommon show of unity and maturity by giving a resounding vote of confidence to its National Assembly members. The party went further to caution detractors to desist from attempts to distract these elected representatives. In stark contrast, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state seems to be caught up in internal strife, with the harshest criticisms of its own elected officials emanating from within the party itself—while the opposition enjoys a free pass.
Ironically, the Governor, Apostle (Senator) Prince Bassey Otu and Chairman of the APC, Barrister Alphonsus Ogar Eba JP have recorded commendable successes on the national stage. From the seamless conduct of the gubernatorial primary in Edo, to the re-election triumph in Imo, and a formidable outing in Ondo, his leadership has been clear and decisive. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for the situation back home in Cross River.
Here, media aides in Government House seem more invested in launching attacks on fellow party members than promoting the party’s agenda. In some disturbing instances, these aides have even been seen openly endorsing opposition candidates. To make matters worse, the State Party recently announced automatic tickets for the Governor and his Deputy, while pointedly excluding other APC office holders from the same privilege—an action that fuel speculations about the unity of the party in the State.
This pattern of internal sabotage by some of the Government Appointees is not just unprecedented; it is dangerous. The absence of discipline and coordination within the appointees and the party signals a total breakdown of internal cohesion and threatens the APC’s prospects ahead of the 2027 elections.
Let it be said clearly: any candidate who emerges under the current structure must be prepared to build their own political machinery, as support from the state party apparatus is far from guaranteed—and in some cases, may even be actively undermined.
Yet, all hope is not lost.
There is still time for the Governor, as the leader of the party in the state, to rise above the fray and assert his authority. He must call all stakeholders to order, restore discipline, and refocus the party on a collective goal. Without this, the APC in Cross River risks self-destruction—and handing the state over to the opposition on a silver platter.
The time to act is now.
Comr Ogar Emmanuel Oko is a public affairs analyst. He writes from Calabar.
NB: Opinions expressed in this article are strictly attributable to the author, Comr Ogar Emmanuel Oko, and do not represent the opinion of TheInvestigator or any other organization the author works for/with.