Tension builds in Cross River APC over consensus arrangement

Tension is mounting in Cross River State All Progressives Congress (APC) over the party’s inability to choose aspirants for the 2023 governorship race.

Also, its final caucus meeting scheduled for yesterday was cancelled.

Already, the Victor Ndoma-Egba (SAN)-led seven-man committee assigned to prune the large number of aspirants to four, from the two senatorial zones that entered the race on Friday night, has submitted its report to the State Chairman, Mr. Alphonsus Eba for onward transmission to Governor Ben Ayade.

A statement, yesterday, by the state APC Publicity Secretary, Mr. Erasmus Ekpang said: “The ruling APC, Cross River State Chapter, regrets to announce that the proposed state caucus meeting scheduled for today (yesterday) has been cancelled. A new date for the meeting will be communicated soon.”

He, however, apologised for inconveniences the cancellation might have caused but said: “the local council caucus can be rescheduled for tomorrow (today), or as it is agreed with various chapter chairmen.”

No reason was given for the cancellation but it was gathered that the party needed time to put its house together, given the fact that some aspirants including Senator John Owan-Enoh, rejected the party’s consensus plans.

Meanwhile, some party stalwarts who are not happy with the consensus arrangement said: “A workman is worthy of his wages, why do we love consensus so much? Allow people to test their popularity in the field.”

“I hope we are aware that it is going to be one man one vote in 2023. Allow people to go to the field. Let the people choose their candidates so we can win the general elections.”