Amidst fears of possible implosion in the Cross River State chapter of the ruling APC, a chieftain of the party from Ikom in the central senatorial district of the state, Prince Odey Oyama has advised the party leadership against exclusivity and secretive approach in the selection of candidates for the 2027 general election.
Oyama, a former House of Representatives candidate and chairman, Research and Strategy Committee in the Ikom chapter of the party said in an online interview with TNN that it was important for the party to stick to established rules and inclusive engagement, rather than plot to handover party tickets based on sentiments.
In the recent past, there have been concerns about the party’s handling of affairs ahead of the primaries, where candidates are expected to emerge. Some chieftains of the party have already warned of a looming implosion, should the party leadership decide to take wrong steps on the matter.
They have warned that the party may suffer in the long run if candidates are not chosen through popular means. In fact, they have said that the style of writing names of candidates and imposing same on the people could back-fire and spell doom for the party.
Their concern has been that the party leadership should hasten and meet with stakeholders where the mode of the primaries would be decided. Under the Electoral Act, even in the event of a decision by a political party to adopt consensus as its mode of selection of candidates, all the aspirants for the election must speak in one voice before a candidate can be deemed to have been properly chosen.
In the interview, Oyama said the best way to prevent implosion in the party was “through proactive leadership, adherence to established rules, and inclusive engagement. The All Progressives Congress (APC), like any serious political institution, has built-in mechanisms to manage internal differences and strengthen unity.
“First, it is important that the party leadership continues to strictly adhere to the provisions of the Party Constitution and the Electoral Act 2022, particularly in matters relating to internal processes such as primaries. Transparency and predictability in these processes help to build trust and reduce tension.
“Secondly, broad-based consultation with stakeholders across all levels—state, local government, ward, and grassroots—is essential. When party members feel heard and included, it significantly reduces the likelihood of disaffection.
“Thirdly, the Party must actively utilize its internal conflict resolution and reconciliation mechanisms. Differences are inevitable in politics, but what matters is the ability to manage them constructively and in a timely manner.
“Additionally, there should be a deliberate effort to promote fairness, equity, and a level playing field for all aspirants. This helps to reinforce confidence in the system and discourages perceptions of bias or exclusion.
“From a strategic standpoint, ongoing efforts—such as those being undertaken by committees like the one I currently chair—are geared towards identifying potential pressure points and recommending practical solutions to strengthen cohesion and electoral readiness, particularly at the grassroots level in areas such as Ikom Local Government Area.
“In summary, the way forward lies in transparency, inclusiveness, respect for due process, and timely engagement with stakeholders. With these in place, concerns about instability can be effectively managed, and the Party can remain focused on its broader objectives.”
Oyama’s position came after a former presidential adviser, Chief Okoi Obobo-Obla had raised the alarm on a looming implosion in the party, even as he urged the leadership to do the right thing so as to prevent disintegration.
Also, last week, a leader from the northern senatorial district, High Chief Higgins Peters warned against the imposition of a senatorial candidate for the area, saying only the people could choose their candidate for the senate race.
