APC Ward 12 Congress Marred by Alleged Irregularities as Constituents Insist Rightful Candidates Emerged

 The Ward 12 congress of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has been greeted with widespread allegations of malfeasance, as aggrieved constituents insist the exercise was not properly conducted and are calling on the Committees supervising the ward congresses of the All Progressives Congress in Cross River State to ensure the right and credible candidates emerges.

Several party members who spoke to our correspondent expressed dissatisfaction with the process, alleging that the congress failed to meet laid-down guidelines and directives issued by the party leadership.

One concerned constituent, Emmanuel Bassey Henry, warned that the controversy surrounding the exercise could damage the party’s reputation and weaken its electoral prospects if not urgently addressed.

“If another party sees this act of irresponsibility, they may use it against us,” he said. 

“People with double appointments and civil servants who are not supposed to be re-elected are in the list. This is breaking the order from the Governor. Let them celebrate; in the end, the result will justify itself.”

Henry further cautioned that internal divisions could prove costly for the ruling party, urging key officials to intervene swiftly.

“Dividing the party will be the end of it all. I am calling on the Chief of Staff and the party’s State Secretary to look into this matter, as it is capable of destroying the party’s victory in the end,” he added.

Other members questioned the transparency of the exercise, asking for clarification on who chaired the congress and where exactly it was held. According to them, the lack of clear communication regarding the venue and officials who supervised the process has further fueled suspicion and mistrust.

“These and many more are the questions aggrieved constituents are asking,” another party faithful said, noting that silence from organisers has only deepened concerns.

In a separate reaction, Iniobong Offiong appealed for calm among party members, urging aggrieved persons to exercise restraint while awaiting directives from the party’s leadership.

“Let every aggrieved person exercise restraint and wait for directives from our leader,” Offiong stated, emphasizing the need for unity amid the brewing controversy.

Despite the call for patience, many stakeholders maintain that the credibility of the Ward 12 congress has been compromised and insist that only the emergence of credible and competent candidates with strict compliance with party guidelines can restore confidence.

As of press time, the Ward 12 congress committee and the state leadership of the APC had yet to issue an official statement addressing the allegations. 

Party observers have cautioned that failure to swiftly resolve the dispute could deepen internal divisions and weaken party cohesion ahead of future political engagements, potentially resulting in low voter turnout in the forthcoming general elections.