By Abasi ItaÂ
The All Progressives Congress has instructed local government council chairmen to guarantee a smooth and peaceful conduct of its forthcoming ward and local government congresses across the state.
The directive was conveyed by the party’s State Publicity Secretary, Emmanuel Inyang, during a media briefing on preparations for the congresses scheduled to hold on Wednesday and Friday.
Inyang said the party had put adequate mechanisms in place to ensure a transparent and rancour free exercise, anchored on consensus and strict observance of the existing zoning arrangement.
He explained that consultations began earlier in the week when the state governor and leader of the party, Bassey Otu, met with key stakeholders, including members of the National Assembly and the State House of Assembly. According to him, the governor stressed the importance of sustaining unity through inclusive dialogue and consensus building.
Inyang noted that council chairmen, who serve as party leaders in their respective local government areas, have been directed to replicate similar consultations at the grassroots level. He said they were specifically advised to engage critical stakeholders and party faithful to ensure inclusiveness and prevent internal disputes.
He added that the party is positioning itself as a united front ahead of the 2027 general elections and is determined to avoid actions that could undermine internal cohesion.
The spokesman further disclosed that returning officers have been appointed and deployed in accordance with the party’s constitution to supervise the congresses and forward the results to the state headquarters.
He revealed that 27 officials are expected to emerge as ward executives in each of the 196 political wards across the state. The positions will include working committee members, non working committee members and ex officio members.
Inyang expressed confidence that the arrangements put in place would deliver a credible process that would deepen internal democracy and strengthen the party’s grassroots structure ahead of future electoral contests.