Sen Williams, Ekpere Demand C/River Central Senatorial Primary Cancellation

The senator representing Cross River Central, Senator Eteng Jonas Williams and Mary Ekpere, both aspirants in the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primary have called for the cancellation of last Monday’s primary election.

They described the exercise as “flawed and lacking legitimacy.”

Addressing a crowd of supporters in Ikom on Monday evening, the duo insisted that the process violated an earlier directive of the party.

According to them, the directive had barred Oden Ewa from participating due to clearance issues. They also said the party instructed that “all results be submitted to the national secretariat for proper ratification.”

Williams alleged that the process was compromised through the “withholding of electoral materials” and the use of an “unauthorised electoral panel.” He claimed the panel was “deliberately constituted to influence the outcome in favour of a preferred candidate.”

He further claimed that many supporters who arrived early at designated ward and local government collation centres met empty venues.

Williams alleged that “voting locations were suddenly changed overnight,” a move he said disenfranchised eligible party members.

He said the development reflected “a calculated attempt by influential figures within the party to suppress participation and impose a predetermined outcome.”

Mary Ekpere, in her remarks, alleged that her name was “deliberately removed from the list of aspirants in Cross River Central and moved to Cross River North.” She described it as “an attempt to sideline her from the contest.”

Ekpere claimed the action was taken by the state chapter of the party to “clear the path for a preferred candidate of the state government led by Governor Bassey Otu.” She said, “We are all members of the APC who worked for the survival of the party during its difficult years.

The selective treatment given to Oden Ewa despite his disqualification is unacceptable. Governor Otu should not allow selfish interests to undermine the party.”

Supporters at the gathering also spoke out, cautioning against actions “capable of deepening divisions within the party ahead of the general elections.”

They urged party leadership to take “disciplinary steps to restore order and internal democracy,” warning that “any perceived compromise of party supremacy could trigger protest votes and weaken the party’s electoral chances.”

In reaction to the cancellation call in a telephone conversation, Mr.Oden Ewa, asked,”It should be cancelled on what basis? “There was nothing like Oden Ewa been disqualified. The organizing secretary signed the document that cleared me. I was cleared before going for the contest,” Ewa claimed.

In reaction to the allegations, state publicity secretary, Mr. Emmanuel Edem denied the allegations said the party could not have done that.