An Open Letter To His Excellency, Sen. Prince Bassey Otu Governor Of Cross River State
Safeguarding the APC from Undue Influence and Internal Disaffection
Your Excellency,
We write as concerned stakeholders and loyal members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Cross River State, compelled by a deep sense of responsibility to draw your attention to developments within the party that, if not urgently addressed, may pose serious challenges to its unity, credibility, and long-term survival in the state.
It has come to our attention, from credible and consistent sources, that some influential individuals within your inner political circle are allegedly engaged in deliberate, persistent, and clandestine efforts to impose party officials ahead of the forthcoming State Congresses of our party. These reported moves appear to be proceeding without due regard to the expressed wishes, concerns, and input of critical stakeholders across the party structure.
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This situation evokes troubling parallels with the events surrounding the last Local Government Council elections in the state, where Chairmen and Councillors were widely perceived to have been imposed rather than emerged through a transparent and participatory process. The resultant disaffection among party faithful and the wider electorate remains fresh in public memory.
We are equally mindful of similar patterns witnessed during the administration of Senator Ben Ayade, where excessive imposition of candidates and party officials by a narrow decision-making circle contributed significantly to internal disunity, reputational damage to the administration, and ultimately, electoral setbacks, including the loss of his senatorial bid. These historical lessons are instructive and ought not to be repeated.
Specifically, there are growing concerns that certain influential actors within the state’s political structure are allegedly working to install an individual, currently serving as Chairman of a Local Government Area in the Cross River Northern Senatorial District, as Chairman of the APC in Cross River State during the forthcoming State Congress. If unchecked, such a process risks concentrating undue control of the party in the hands of a narrow and unaccountable group, thereby undermining the principles of internal democracy upon which the APC was founded.
Should this development materialise, it would pose serious risks to the stability and credibility of the APC in Cross River State, a Party that countless members and stakeholders laboured tirelessly to build and sustain over the past decade. Any perception of exclusion, imposition, or domination by non-inclusive interests could erode party cohesion, weaken public trust, and diminish electoral prospects.
We have also taken note of recent political realignments at the national level, with particular reference to Mr
Peter Obi, which underscore the fluid and competitive nature of contemporary Nigeria’s political landscape. Against this backdrop, any attempt to impose party executives at the State, Local Government, Ward, and Polling Unit levels without broad consultation and consensus may further deepen internal divisions and adversely affect the Party’s readiness for the 2027 National and State elections.
Your Excellency, the APC in Cross River State can only remain viable, united, and competitive by recommitting to its foundational ideals as articulated by its founding members in 2013; ideals rooted in progressivism, inclusiveness, internal democracy, and merit-based leadership and the emergence of credible, competent, and widely accepted party executives at all levels is indispensable to sustaining unity and securing electoral success.
In conclusion, the continued relevance and survival of our party depends on the collective resolve of its leadership and members to resist undue influence, promote transparency, and uphold the core values of integrity, competence, and progressive leadership. Any sustained deviation from these principles risks grave consequences for both the party and the state.
We trust in your wisdom and leadership to intervene appropriately in the overall interest of party unity, democratic integrity, and the enduring legacy of your administration.
Yours faithfully,
Society for the Restoration of Good Virtues in All Progressives Congress (APC), Cross River State.
January 4, 2026
