The All Progressives Congress in Cross River State has witnessed a significant leadership shake-up, as its embattled state chairman, Alphonsus Eba, has been officially removed from office.
Eba’s removal comes after mounting pressure from party members who had repeatedly called for his resignation, citing alleged mismanagement and failure to unite the party at the state level.
His tenure had been marked by internal disputes, which many observers believed were affecting the party’s cohesion ahead of upcoming elections.
The state executive committee of the APC convened and formally impeached Eba following his refusal to step down voluntarily.
Sources within the party disclosed that several attempts were made to resolve the matter amicably, including mediation efforts from national party leaders.
However, the chairman reportedly resisted these efforts, prompting the SEC to take decisive action in line with the party’s constitution.
Following Eba’s removal, Ntufam Ekum Ojogu has been appointed as acting chairman of the APC in Cross River State.
Ojogu, a seasoned party member with years of experience in state politics, will oversee the day-to-day operations of the party until a formal state congress is convened to ratify his position.
Party officials stressed that his appointment is temporary but crucial for ensuring continuity in party administration and maintaining internal stability.
The decision to appoint an acting chairman aligns with Section 17(6) of the APC constitution, which empowers the SEC to fill leadership vacancies when the substantive chairman is removed.
Party insiders said the move is intended to prevent any leadership vacuum and maintain momentum in party activities, especially as the party prepares for strategic political contests in the state.
Observers have praised the SEC for following due process while emphasizing the need for unity among party stakeholders.
Meanwhile, reactions from party members have been mixed. While some expressed relief at Eba’s removal, citing long-standing grievances over his leadership style, others have urged caution, emphasizing the need for reconciliation to prevent further factionalism.
The APC in Cross River is now expected to hold a state congress in the coming months, which will formally elect a substantive chairman and potentially set the stage for renewed party cohesion ahead of future elections.
