By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Calabar
Former presidential aide, Chief Okoi Obono-Obla, has cautioned the ruling All Progressives Congress against imposing candidates in the Abi/Yakurr political bloc ahead of the 2027 elections, insisting that wide consultations and internal democracy remain critical to the party’s success.
Obono-Obla, who served as Special Assistant on Prosecution to former President Muhammadu Buhari, said the party risks political backlash if it abandons competitive primaries and grassroots engagement in favour of unpopular consensus arrangements.
He argued that the APC must carefully manage the selection of candidates for both the Yakurr I State Constituency and the Abi/Yakurr Federal Constituency by consulting critical stakeholders across the affected communities.
According to him, if the party opts for consensus candidates in Yakurr I State Constituency, consultations must involve stakeholders from Ntan, Epenti, Idomi, Ajere, Bikobiko, Ijiman and Ijom to avoid alienating grassroots supporters.
The former presidential aide further stressed that the Abi/Yakurr Federal Constituency, comprising Abi and Yakurr Local Government Areas, requires a balanced political arrangement that reflects the interests of the Bahumono, Agbo, Igbo Imbana and Yakurr ethnic blocs.
He warned that any perceived imbalance or marginalisation in the candidate selection process could trigger political consequences capable of weakening the APC’s electoral fortunes in the area.
Obono-Obla also pointed to the growing strength of opposition parties within the constituency, noting the presence of influential figures in the ADC and NDC, as well as what he described as a formidable opposition structure being assembled by the PDP ahead of the polls.
He maintained that shutting out credible aspirants through unilateral decisions by party officials would amount to a serious political miscalculation, especially in a constituency he described as politically sophisticated and highly competitive.
The former aide concluded by urging the APC leadership in Cross River State to prioritise consultation, justice, inclusiveness and fairness in its nomination process, warning that failure to do so could erode public confidence in the party and strengthen opposition forces in the constituency.
