By Felix Asuquo, Calabar
The Deputy National Treasurer of the All Progressives Congress, Ben Akak, has urged aggrieved party members in Cross River State to support Governor Bassey Otu’s re-election bid and other recognised candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He called on members of the Cross River State House of Assembly, aspirants, supporters and other party faithful dissatisfied with the outcome of the primaries to remain calm and prioritise the party’s collective interest over individual grievances.
Akak made the appeal in a statement on Monday amid reported disagreements following the recently concluded APC primaries across the state.
Akak acknowledged that primary elections could generate strong emotions among aspirants and their supporters, particularly those whose expectations were not met, but urged them to pursue their grievances through dialogue and established party mechanisms.
He said, “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.”
The APC chieftain urged aggrieved members not to allow disagreements over party tickets to undermine the party’s unity or jeopardise political relationships built over the years.
He also cautioned against drawing premature conclusions from reports of meetings allegedly held by some lawmakers following the primaries, noting that political engagements should not automatically be interpreted as evidence of hostility towards the party’s leadership or candidates.
Akak reaffirmed the importance of supporting Otu and other duly recognised APC candidates, while encouraging party leaders to create room for genuine reconciliation with aggrieved members.
He said the forthcoming electoral contest required “cooperation, strategic coordination and the active participation of party members across all constituencies.”
The deputy national treasurer further called on the party’s leadership at the state and national levels to listen to dissatisfied aspirants and other stakeholders, stressing that a sincere reconciliation process would help restore confidence and strengthen the party’s grassroots structure.
He maintained that members who participated in the primaries remained important stakeholders whose experience, networks and contributions could still benefit the party.
Akak also 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 dialogue and mutual understanding could resolve outstanding differences and enable party members to work together ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The APC chieftain urged party faithful to remain steadfast and ensure that disagreements arising from the primaries did not distract from efforts to strengthen the party ahead of the polls.
