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Ukorebi Esien | November 7, 2025
CALABAR – A fresh wave of crisis has hit the Cross River State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the Forum of APC Chapter Chairmen and Secretaries has passed a vote of no confidence on the State Chairman, Barr. Alphonsus Ogar Eba (JP), accusing him of mismanagement of funds, high-handedness, and anti-progressive conduct.
In a communiqué issued at the end of a crucial meeting held on November 7, 2025, the Forum, which comprises all chapter chairmen and secretaries across the 18 local government areas of the state, expressed total loss of trust and confidence in the leadership style of Barr. Eba, alleging that his actions have destabilized and divided the party.
According to the communiqué, the forum accused the State Chairman of refusing to pay party stipends to chapter and ward officials for three consecutive months, thereby crippling party activities at the grassroots and worsening the economic hardship of party functionaries. They described the move as unprecedented in the party's history.
The group also accused Barr. Eba of attempting to divert local government dues, instigating ward officials against their chapter leaders, and violating provisions of the APC Constitution, particularly Section 21:2 (ii & v), which frowns upon acts capable of bringing party leadership into contempt or disrepute.
Another major grievance highlighted was the alleged lopsided allocation of party funds, where the forum claimed that out of the total statutory allocation, only ₦9.2 million was shared among the 5,778 party officials at the local and ward levels, while the 36-member State Executive Committee received over ₦40 million. The forum described this as a "gross injustice" and a "deliberate act of marginalization."
They further accused the chairman of failing to remit statutory percentages from the sale of forms during the 2023 general elections and other remittances from the APC National Secretariat, describing the funds as "unaccounted for.
However, political observers within the state believe that the renewed agitation and the call for Barr. Eba's suspension may not be unconnected to his reported ambition to seek a second term as APC State Chairman, a move many party stakeholders say he "does not deserve" given his controversial stewardship and the level of dissatisfaction among the rank and file.
The communiqué read in part:
"The anti-progressive, high-handed and transactional approach of the State Party Chairman has weakened party structures, created disaffection, and eroded confidence among loyal members. His actions are inimical to the unity and progress of our great party."
The forum therefore made a series of demands, including the immediate payment of all outstanding stipends to chapter and ward officials and a review of the current fund-sharing formula to reflect fairness and inclusion. They proposed that 70 percent of all party revenues be allocated to local governments and wards, while 30 percent should go to the state executive.
The group also called on the national leadership of the APC to compel Barr. Eba to honourably resign from office, citing his alleged anti-party tendencies and loss of legitimacy to continue leading the party in the state.
"In the overall interest of unity and progress, Barr. Alphonsus Ogar Eba should resign honourably as State Party Chairman since he has lost control of the party and we have lost confidence in him," the communiqué stated.
Despite the harsh criticisms, the forum reaffirmed its unwavering loyalty to Governor Bassey Otu, describing him as the authentic leader of the APC in Cross River State. They pledged to work tirelessly for his re-election in 2027, applauding his achievements in infrastructure, governance, and human capital development under the "Season of Sweetness" mantra.
"We remain committed to the leadership of His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, whose administration has brought peace, love, unity, and growth to Cross River State," the forum added.
The communiqué was jointly signed by the 18 APC Chapter Chairmen and Secretaries and copied to the Governor and Chief of Staff to the Government of Cross River State.
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