 |
Ukorebi Esien | November 8, 2025
CALABAR - Special Assistant to Governor Bassey Otu on Obudu Ranch Resort and former Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Cross River State, Sunday Michael, has cautioned against the rising notion that incumbency or financial capacity should be the major determinants of who emerges as party candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking with journalists shortly after the Governor's son's wedding in Calabar, the APC stalwart, who hails from Yakurr Local Government Area, said democracy thrives on inclusivity, competence, and merit rather than on money or power. He emphasised that while every Nigerian has the constitutional right to aspire for any political office, political parties retain the prerogative to make strategic decisions in the collective interest of victory.
"There are constitutional requirements that allow anyone to aspire for any office, and if you check, money was not part of it. Incumbency was not part of it. Having godfathers was not part of it," Michael stated.
He recalled how, in 2013, he willingly stepped down from a House of Representatives race following the party's directive, explaining that such decisions, though sometimes difficult, demonstrate loyalty and respect for party discipline.
"The party must always consider who can win elections for it at a particular time. That's the essence of internal democracy," he added.
Michael warned that sidelining competent party members simply because they lack financial influence or political connections would be undemocratic and detrimental to the APC's growth.
"It would be rude and arrogant for anyone to tell another person not to aspire simply because they don't have money or influence," he cautioned.
Using a football analogy, the former IPAC boss likened party leadership to a coach responsible for making substitutions in the interest of victory.
"In this political game, the coach is the party leadership. We, the aspirants and incumbents, are players. If the coach believes the player on the pitch is performing well, we will all rally behind him. But if not, the coach can make changes to protect the team's victory," he explained.
Michael also called on members of the All Progressives Congress across the Cross River Central Senatorial District and the state at large to maintain unity, discipline, and mutual respect as the 2027 elections draw closer.
"No one should see personal ambition as more important than the collective interest of the party. If we remain united and disciplined, the APC will continue to win elections across Cross River State," he concluded.
0 comments: