APC Chieftain Expresses Disappointment With Party Leadership

A prominent member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Okoi Obono-Obla, has expressed disappointment and disillusionment with the party’s leadership at the national convention.

Obono-Obla, who had indicated interest to vie for the position of national publicity secretary, felt marginalised at the recently concluded APC national convention.

In a telephone conversation with LEADERSHIP, Obono-Obla revealed that his faith in the party, which he has been a part of since 2013, is “badly shaken”. He lamented that despite his tireless efforts to promote the party’s success, he has been marginalized and overlooked for key positions.

The veteran party member recalled that in 2022, he was denied the opportunity to contest as a senatorial candidate, for Cross River Central senatorial district, a decision he chose not to contest.

“My faith in the party is badly shaken, after being betrayed and marginalized at the just concluded convention,” Obono-Obla lamented.

He stressed that despite this marginalization, he had always worked assiduously towards the party’s success, campaigning for its victory in the 2023 national and state elections.

He said that he had always utilised social, traditional, and new media to promote the party and its government.

Obono-Obla averred that despite his dedication, hard work, and standing by the ideals of the party, new members had been favoured over foundation members like himself by the party leadership.

“It seems that some individuals who only recently joined the party are working hard to push out foundation members, sadly, with the support of the leadership,” he said.

The situation, according to Obono-Obla, calls for deep reflection, stressing that he is currently pondering the shoddy treatment meted to him by the party’s echelon stressing that despite the inhuman treatment he chose to remain committed and dedicated to the party and its principles.

Obono-Obla emphasised that his commitment to the party remains unquestionable, adding that he has chosen his path ahead with clarity and courage.

“The struggle for relevance and recognition within the party is ongoing, but my resolve is to stand firm in my principle which remains unshaken,” he maintained.