Calls for unity, restraint and party loyalty ahead of 2027 elections
Ukorebi Esien | October 18, 2026
CALABAR — Deputy National Treasurer of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Engr. Ben Akak, has appealed to members of the Cross River State House of Assembly, aspirants, supporters and other party faithful dissatisfied with the outcome of the recently concluded APC primaries across the state to remain calm, exercise restraint and sustain their commitment to the party.
Akak, in a statement issued amid reports of alleged meetings involving some lawmakers over the party's political direction following the primaries, urged all stakeholders to place the collective interest of the APC and the future of Cross River State above individual grievances.
He acknowledged that primary elections can generate strong emotions, particularly among aspirants and their supporters whose expectations may not have been met. However, he stressed that such disagreements should be addressed through dialogue, internal party mechanisms and constructive engagement rather than actions capable of deepening divisions.
According to him, the strength of a political party lies not in the absence of disagreements but in its ability to manage competing interests, reconcile differences and emerge united around a common purpose.
Akak urged members of the State Assembly and other aggrieved stakeholders not to allow disagreements over tickets to undermine the party's cohesion or jeopardise the political relationships built over the years.
He also cautioned against drawing premature conclusions from reports of meetings allegedly held by some lawmakers, noting that political engagements should not automatically be interpreted as evidence of hostility towards the party's leadership or its candidates.
The APC chieftain reaffirmed the importance of supporting Governor Bassey Edet Otu and other duly recognised party candidates, while encouraging party leaders to create room for genuine reconciliation with aggrieved members.
He maintained that the forthcoming electoral contest requires cooperation, strategic coordination and the active participation of party members across all constituencies.
Akak further called on the party's leadership at the state and national levels to listen to the concerns of dissatisfied aspirants and stakeholders, stressing that a sincere reconciliation process would help restore confidence and strengthen the party's grassroots structure.
He said political ambition should not become a source of permanent division, adding that members who participated in the primaries remain important stakeholders whose experience, networks and contributions could still benefit the party.
The APC Deputy National Treasurer urged supporters to avoid inflammatory statements, personal attacks and speculation capable of escalating tensions, calling instead for maturity, patience and respect for the party's established processes.
He expressed confidence that through dialogue, mutual understanding and a renewed commitment to party unity, outstanding differences could be resolved in the overall interest of the APC and Cross River State.
The business mogul cum politcian, urged all party faithfuls to remain steadfast, work together and ensure that disagreements arising from the primaries do not distract from the broader task of strengthening the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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