Obono-Obla Warns Against Forcing Aspirants To Withdraw From APC Primaries In Cross River

A former former Chairman of the Special Presidential Investigation Panel for the Recovery of Public Property (SPIP), Okoi Ofem Obono-Obla, has cautioned the All Progressives Congress in Cross River State against compelling aspirants to step down for preferred candidates ahead of the party primaries.

Obono-Obla told LEADERSHIP that there were ongoing efforts within the party in Cross River to pressure aspirants into withdrawing under the guise of adopting consensus candidates.

According to the APC chieftain, such moves could undermine internal democracy within the APC and trigger political backlash if not handled in accordance with the law.

“In Cross River State, the party is trying to muscle aspirants to step down for favoured aspirants under the guise of consensus,” Obono-Obla said.

He warned that compelling aspirants to sign consent agreements accepting consensus candidates without following the provisions of Section 84 of the Electoral Act, 2026, would be legally defective.

“APC Cross River State must understand that coercing aspirants to sign purported consent agreements to accept consensus candidates, without complying with the provisions of Section 84 of the Electoral Act, 2026, is void ab initio,” he stated.

Obono-Obla specifically expressed concern over developments in the Yakurr I State Constituency and the Abi/Yakurr Federal Constituency, warning that any attempt to impose candidates could have serious political consequences for the party.

“I am particularly concerned with the Yakurr I State Constituency and the Abi/Yakurr Federal Constituency. APC cannot impose candidates under any guise; otherwise, there will be a boomerang effect,” he added.