By Abasi Ita
The All Progressives Congress in Cross River State has called on members of its Senatorial District Leadership Forums to finetune the emergence of credible consensus candidates as part of preparations for the 2027 general elections.
The appeal was made during the inauguration of the forums in Calabar, an initiative aimed at strengthening party unity and ensuring a transparent and inclusive primary process.
The event followed the release of the party’s primary election timetable by its national headquarters in Abuja.
Addressing party members, the State Chairman, Mr. Christopher Sunny Eta, emphasized the need for careful selection of candidates who possess both credibility and broad electoral appeal.
“We must work towards producing candidates who are not only credible but widely accepted by the people. That is the pathway to victory,” he said.
Eta noted that the success of the party at the polls would largely depend on the integrity and competence of those presented as candidates. He urged stakeholders to approach the process with sincerity and a strong sense of responsibility, stressing that decisions taken now would shape the political future of the state.
He also advocated a reassessment of existing zoning arrangements to better align with the expectations of party members and the electorate. According to him, priority should be given to aspirants with proven track records and strong grassroots support.
The chairman cautioned against imposing candidates, warning that such actions could undermine the party’s chances by discouraging voter participation.
“Imposition of candidates breeds discontent and weakens our structure. We must allow a process that reflects the will of the people,” he stated.
Eta further highlighted the importance of internal unity, describing the newly inaugurated forums as essential platforms for dialogue, negotiation and consensus building among aspirants and stakeholders.
The forums, established across the Southern, Central and Northern senatorial districts, are expected to act as liaison bodies between aspirants and the party leadership. Aspirants have been directed to engage with the forums as part of the screening and consultation process.
Those appointed to lead the forums include Chief Eyo Nsa and Chief Dominic Aqua Edem for the Southern District, Senator Victor Ndoma Egba and Hon. Edema Irom for the Central District, as well as Ntufam Fidelis Ugbo and Ntufam Peter Ojie for the Northern District.
Responding on behalf of the appointees, Chairman of the Northern Forum, Ntufam Fidelis Ugbo, expressed appreciation for the confidence reposed in them and pledged to carry out the assignment with diligence.
“This responsibility is critical to party cohesion and electoral success. We will focus on identifying candidates who are both credible and electable,” he said.
Political observers view the move as a strategic effort by the APC to reinforce internal democracy, promote unity and strengthen its position ahead of the 2027 elections.