Cross River APC Boils as Stakeholders Reject Alleged Plot to Hand Ayade 2027 Senate Ticket

Tensions are rising within the Cross River State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) over allegations that the party chairman, Alphonsus Eba, is plotting to impose former governor Ben Ayade as the party’s senatorial candidate for Cross River North in 2027.

The controversy has deepened internal divisions, with many party members accusing Eba of manipulating structures to favour Ayade — a move they say could destabilize the ruling party ahead of the next general elections.

Eba, who is also believed to be eyeing a renewal of his chairmanship, is facing growing opposition from the 18 APC chapter chairmen and secretaries, who recently met and issued a communiqué calling for his resignation over alleged corruption and misconduct.

Their anger spilled into the streets on Wednesday as aggrieved party members stormed the APC state secretariat in Calabar, barricading the entrance and demanding Eba’s removal. Protesters accused him of running the party as a personal fiefdom tied to Ayade’s political interests.

Stakeholders fear the crisis could undo the party’s recent gains, especially following Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe’s defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) — a move many had hailed as a major breakthrough for APC in the North, traditionally a PDP stronghold.

Analysts and party insiders claim Eba’s loyalty to Ayade runs deep, stemming from gratitude to the former governor, who reportedly played a key role in his political rise. Eba recently organized a grand reception for Ayade upon his return to the state, further fueling speculation about his bias.

Dr. Joseph Odok, a public affairs analyst and lecturer at the University of Calabar, warned that any attempt to force Ayade’s candidacy on party members could have disastrous consequences.

“The attempt to foist former Governor Ben Ayade as APC’s northern senatorial candidate is a boomerang with catastrophic consequences,” Odok said. “The chairman should not be central to any plot to impose personal preferences on the party, as alleged by the chapter chairmen who have called for his suspension.”

Odok described Senator Jarigbe’s entry into the APC as “a timely lifeline,” arguing that the northern wing of the party was virtually dormant before his defection.

“It is both funny and dangerous,” he added, “that instead of leveraging Jarigbe’s popularity, some loyal to the chairman appear threatened — a move that could weaken the party.”

He called for urgent reforms to promote transparency, inclusivity, and accountability within the party, urging a realignment that reflects Governor Bassey Otu’s leadership rather than Ayade’s lingering influence.

But Eba has denied all allegations, dismissing the protests and calls for his resignation as “politically motivated.” He accused the chapter chairmen of embezzling ₦60 million meant for ward and chapter executives.

“They must vomit the money they embezzled,” Eba said defiantly. “They are only running away from their shadows.”

As tensions escalate, party elders are reportedly working behind the scenes to restore calm and prevent a full-blown crisis ahead of the 2027 elections.