As APC preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum, with aspirants purchasing nomination and expression of interest forms, I advise the Party leadership to be fair to everyone who has bought a form. This is the only way the Party can reduce bitterness, recrimination, and foster reconciliation and cohesion after the storm subsides. All factions, wings, and tendencies should be accommodated.
Those who have sacrificed for the Party, especially in my State, Cross River, must be recognized—particularly in Abi/Yakurr Federal Constituency. In 2019, when APC was still in its embryonic stage, we fought a bruising and grueling battle against a formidable PDP machinery, entrenched with seasoned politicians and a well-oiled structure. Today, some of those same individuals have crossed over to APC and are scheming to return to power. The powers that be may be tempted to pave the way for them.
However, APC must resist the urge to prioritize opportunistic and unprincipled politicians who joined only recently, over those who sacrificed everything in 2015, 2019, and 2023. If loyalty is disregarded in Abi/Yakurr—a constituency of sophisticated, enlightened, and highly educated people who produced ministers as far back as 1951—the unity and calm we currently enjoy will be ruptured.
I know how hard we struggled to snatch Abi/Yakurr Federal Constituency in 2019, marking the first time an opposition party won at that level in Cross River State since 1999. A word is enough for the wise: APC members in Abi/Yakurr must shine their eyes, reward loyalty, principles, and hard work, while shunning opportunism and lack of principles. Those who have been steadfast members since 2013, 2015, 2019, and 2021 should be accorded priority. In equity, when two are equal, the first in time should be given precedence.
Conclusion: For APC to thrive in 2027 and beyond, fairness, loyalty, and principle must guide its decisions. Only then can the Party maintain unity, cohesion, and credibility in the eyes of its members and the electorate.
@ Okoi Obono-Obla
