By Felix Asuquo, Calabar
The OBIdient Movement in Cross River State has raised concerns over an alleged plot to manipulate the forthcoming governorship primaries of the National Democratic Congress, accusing party leaders of sidelining aspirants and undermining the state’s zoning arrangement.
Speaking during a media briefing in Calabar on Friday, leaders of the movement alleged that the governorship rotation principle, which they said favours the Southern Senatorial District, was being compromised ahead of the party primaries.
The group claimed that a governorship aspirant from the Northern Senatorial District was being allowed to contest contrary to the state’s existing zoning understanding.
“The zoning agreement in favour of the Southern Senatorial District concerning the governorship candidate is being maligned by the party leadership,” the group stated.
The movement further accused the party secretariat of failing to communicate details of the primary process to aspirants and stakeholders, thereby creating suspicion among members.
According to the group, the lack of official information regarding the conduct of the primaries had fuelled fears that “secret primaries” could be taking place without the knowledge of delegates and aspirants.
“There is no transparency concerning the forthcoming primaries. Most aspirants, including the OBIdients, are not being carried along. There is zero communication from the party secretariat,” the group alleged.
The movement also questioned the neutrality of the NDC national delegation assigned to Cross River State, alleging that members of the committee appeared to have arrived with a predetermined agenda.
“The committee appears to have a set opinion and from their conduct they seem to have a preset agenda which leaves much to be desired,” the group added.
The OBIdient Movement warned that the alleged developments could create division within the party if urgent steps were not taken to address members’ concerns.
Efforts to obtain reactions from the Cross River State Secretariat of the NDC were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
