By BANNERNEWS Reporter
A stakeholder of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Umon North Ward, Biase Local Government Area of Cross River State, Engr. Egan Adat Okon-Effiong, has formally rejected the alleged compilation of a new ward executive committee list, describing the process as secretive and unconstitutional.
Okon-Effiong, in a letter dated February 19, 2026, and addressed to the APC State Chairman, with a copy to the Biase Local Government Council Chairman, claimed the list was reportedly drafted in a private residence without consultation with duly recognised ward stakeholders.
She alleged that a small group of individuals privately assembled and unilaterally prepared what they presented as a leadership list for the ward, warning that such action undermines democratic norms and violates the party’s constitution.
According to her, key ward figures and statutory stakeholders were excluded from the alleged process, including the Deputy Ward Leader, the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, and the councillor representing Umon North Ward, as well as other recognised party leaders.
She further stated that she was neither informed nor invited to any meeting where such decisions were taken, stressing that no transparent congress or properly convened stakeholders’ forum was held to legitimise the exercise.
The APC stakeholder argued that the alleged action constitutes a breach of internal party democracy and contradicts provisions of the party’s constitution, which emphasise transparency, inclusiveness, and due process in the formation of ward executive committees.
Okon-Effiong warned that excluding stakeholders from leadership decisions could weaken grassroots mobilisation, create internal divisions, and damage the party’s credibility among members and the electorate.
She maintained that party leadership must emerge through constitutionally recognised procedures, involving statutory officers and stakeholders, rather than through what he described as selective consultations held in private settings.
The stakeholder called on the party leadership to clarify the circumstances surrounding the alleged list, disclose those involved in its compilation, suspend any attempt to implement it, and convene a properly constituted stakeholders’ meeting in line with the party’s guidelines.
She emphasised that her objection was not driven by personal interest but by the need to protect internal democracy, transparency, and unity within the party, insisting that leadership legitimacy must be earned through due process and broad-based participation.
