Ex-Presidential Aide Obla Joins APC National Secretary Race

Okoi Obono-Obla, former Chairman of the Special Presidential Investigation Panel for the Recovery of Public Property (SPIP), has thrown his hat into the ring for the position of National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the party’s National Convention in March 2026.

Speaking to LEADERSHIP in Calabar, Obono-Obla stated that he is the right person for the job, given his pedigree and experience in law, governance, and anti-corruption efforts.

“I am not just a candidate, but a custodian of integrity, experience, and vision,” he said.

With 35 years of practicing law across Nigeria’s legal system, Obono-Obla believes his legal foundation will ensure APC’s operations remain within the bounds of the law, protecting the party from avoidable crises and litigation.

As a former Special Assistant to the President and to the Attorney General, Obono-Obla learned the delicate balance between politics and policy, which he believes will serve the party well.

He also worked to strengthen justice delivery nationwide as Acting Secretary of the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee.

Obono-Obla stated that as Nigeria’s anti-corruption czar, he is prepared to champion transparency and accountability, values that can anchor the party’s future.

He emphasized that his wealth of experience would be a value addition to the party.

As a writer, author, and commentator on national and international issues, Obono-Obla stated that he would apply all the skills acquired in almost all areas of life to articulate APC’s vision with clarity and communicate effectively with members.

Obono-Obla, a traditional ruler, believes his role adds another dimension, grounding him in Nigeria’s cultural realities and giving him grassroots legitimacy.

“I understand the pulse of our communities, the importance of inclusivity, and the need to bridge modern governance with traditional institutions,” he said.

As a founding member of the APC, Obono-Obla was Secretary of the defunct CPC Merger Committee and Co-Secretary of the Joint Inter-Party Merger Committee that negotiated the formation of the APC in 2013, an experience he believes uniquely positions him to safeguard the party’s legacy and strengthen the Secretariat.