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Tag: #APC

  • Hon Martin Orim Receives Defectors In Alege/Ubang, Unveils Team Martin-Jarigbe

    Hon Martin Orim Receives Defectors In Alege/Ubang, Unveils Team Martin-Jarigbe

    By Elijah Ugani 

    The Chairman of the GFO Orim Foundation and Chief of Staff to former Governor Ben Ayade, Hon Chief Martin Orim, in company of the Ward Chairman, Mr Ikong Cyprain Oyor, received defectors from the People’s Democratic Party PDP, in his ward, Alege/Ubang, in Obudu Local Government Area.

    The defection which took place on the 3rd January 2026, at Okiro – Ubang, was part of the new year interactive session with party stalwarts his ward.

    Receiving the defectors, Hon Martin Orim, commended the bold step taken by the defectors to align with the All Progressive Congress APC, to bring development to the ward.

    He charged party leaders who pledged to support him to align with Senator Jarigbe Agom because the senator has shown effective representation.

    He noted that “Sen Jarigbe Agom has shown clearly that he is part of us. The Amukwong bridge the senator is working on, when completed will improve the economic activities of our people”.

    Hon Martin Orim, noted “Sen Jarigbe Agom is a performing senator and we cannot afford to replace a performing senator when he is everywhere and bringing the dividends of democracy that all of you here can see.

    “I enjoined you all to be formidable and rally support around the senator. I had previously appealed and let me remind us that the Vice Chairman of Obudu Local Government Council, Hon Rhoda Ashong, the Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor, Pastor Fed Abua, the Councilor representing Alege/Ubang ward, all political appointees from the ward should put a little amount of money each time they receive salary to host party meetings from village to village to keep the party alive”.

    Hon Martin Orim, informed that “the support you all have for me is hereby channelled to TEAM Martin-Jarigbe”.

    Speaking earlier and on behalf of the defectors, Mr Emmanuel Abua, thanked the Chief of Staff to former Governor Ben Ayade and Chairman of GFO Orim Foundation and the entire APC members in the ward.

    Mr Abua noted that “While it remains clear that we moved with our Distinguished Senator, Sen. Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe base on his leadership prowess and developmental strives, we pledged our loyalty to the party leadership in the ward specifically as well as to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Cross River State Governor Prince Bassey Otu, and the Deputy Governor, Dr. Peter Odey, While prioritising the success and development of our people”.

    On his part, the Deputy Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Hon Sylvester Agabi, commended the defectors and noted that “You are most welcome to the largest party. There is nothing like old or new APC members. We are all equal. Whatever that is due party members who have been here before today is equally due those that have defected today. I wish you all the best as you continue to support Gov Bassey Otu, his Deputy and President Armed Bola Tinubu”.
    The event drew several top party leaders and functionaries including the Deputy Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Hon. Sylvester Agabi Jnr., the Commissioner for Sports Development, Hon. Agnes Atsu, the Vice Chairman of Obudu Local Government Area, Hon. Rhoda Ashong, Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor, Barr Fred Abua, Hon. Philip Ikpa, former leader of the council for Alege/Ubang Ward, and other key stakeholders

  • C’River: 18 APC Vice Chairmen, 196 Ward Chairmen Back Call for State Chairman’s Resignation

    C’River: 18 APC Vice Chairmen, 196 Ward Chairmen Back Call for State Chairman’s Resignation

    By Judex Okoro

    The crisis in the Cross River State chapter of the All Progressives Congress has deepened as 18 vice chairmen and 196 ward chairmen have thrown their weight behind the call for the resignation of the state party chairman, Barrister Alphonsus Eba, over alleged financial impropriety.

    The vice chairmen, ward chairmen and the Forum of Chapter Chairmen also unanimously adopted Governor Bassey Otu for a second term ahead of 2027.

    This development comes days after 35 chapter chairmen and secretaries demanded the immediate resignation of the state chairman. In a statement issued after their meeting in Calabar last week, they accused Eba of engaging in actions that undermine the progress and stability of the party.

    During a meeting held at Hogis Royale in Calabar on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, the Forum of Vice Chairmen and ward leaders unanimously resolved to fight for their rights and better welfare for ward executives. The meeting was convened by the Chapter Chairmen Forum to update ward officers on recent developments within the party over the last four months.

    Speaking at the meeting, the Chairman of the Forum of Ward Chairmen, Comrade Frankline Egbai from the Biase Local Government chapter, commended the Forum of Chapter Chairmen for convening the gathering. He also praised Governor Bassey Otu for his achievements in the past two years.

    Egbai expressed deep dissatisfaction with the treatment of ward executives. He said, “I feel sad about the allegations against the state chairman and the poor treatment meted out to ward executives. It is shameful that ward executives are given twenty thousand naira to share among twenty seven members. We are being treated as insignificant by the state chairman. Sometimes, we go home with five hundred naira per person per month as party leaders at the ward level.”

    He added that ward leaders are not benefitting from the Season of Sweetness, insisting that they should be financially empowered as the face of the administration in local communities. According to him, “If a ward chairman cannot buy a bottle of beer for a friend, how can he convince that friend to join the party? We therefore adopt the communique presented to Governor Bassey Otu by the Forum of Chapter Chairmen demanding Eba’s resignation.”

    Also speaking, the Youth Leader of Ward 8 in Calabar South, Bassey Oyo Ekpenyong, commended the Forum of Chapter Chairmen for convening the meeting. He said they reject the vote of confidence passed on the state chairman. “We are not part of it and we stand firmly with the Forum of Chapter Chairmen. We worked tirelessly in 2023 to ensure the party’s victory and now they want to shortchange us.”

    The Vice Chairman of Obubra and Chairman of the Vice Chairmen Forum, Elder William Ovat, also denounced the earlier vote of confidence. He said they were misled into signing the statement. “We were not informed about the purpose of the meeting that led to the signing of the vote of confidence. Based on the allegations of corruption we have seen and heard at the state leadership level, we align with the Forum of Chapter Chairmen in adopting the communique calling for the chairman’s resignation.”

    Earlier, the Chairman of the Forum of Chapter Chairmen, Chief Kelvin Njong, read the communique again, accusing Eba of high handedness, insolence, underestimating party leaders and adopting a transactional style of leadership. He also accused him of instigating party officials at the chapter and ward levels against their leaders.

    Njong said, “We convened this meeting to carry everyone along and ensure that ward leaders understand the issues at stake. We have presented the matter to the Governor and we believe he will address it dispassionately. The state chairman can no longer lead us and we will occupy the secretariat until he resigns. We appeal to all party leaders to understand that we are fighting for justice.”

    The Forum of Vice Chairmen and Ward Chairmen unanimously adopted Governor Bassey Otu for a second term ahead of 2027 and announced a boycott of further meetings with the state chairman until all issues raised in the communique are addressed.

     

    Forum of Chapter Chairmen Communique

    The 35 APC chapter chairmen and secretaries had earlier accused the state chairman of failing to remit funds meant for local government areas and wards from the sale of forms during the 2023 general elections.

    According to the communique, “While the local government areas and wards, comprising 5,778 party officials, received only nine point two million naira, the state executive with just thirty six members took forty million naira. This is gross injustice and typical of the chairman. There are also other remittances from the national secretariat that are unaccounted for.”

    They further demanded the immediate payment of all outstanding stipends owed to local government and ward officials. They also recommended that future stipends should be deducted at source and paid directly to chapter chairmen who lead the party at the local government level.

    They advocated a review of the sharing formula for party funds, proposing a seventy to thirty percent ratio in favour of local government and ward officials as against the state officials.

    The communique concluded that, in the interest of unity and progress, the state chairman should resign honourably due to his actions which they described as anti progressive and harmful to the party.

  • Jarigbe’s Strategic Move: A Masterstroke of Political Strategy BY PETER AGI 

    Jarigbe’s Strategic Move: A Masterstroke of Political Strategy BY PETER AGI 

     

    Senator Jarigbe’s decision to join the All Progressives Congress (APC) is a masterstroke of political strategy, one that is anchored in the paradigm of surrender and transformation. To truly live, one must first surrender to death, not a physical demise, but a metaphorical one – the death of the ego, the death of limitations, and the death of the familiar. It is in this crucible of transformation that the essence of our being is forged, like gold refined in the furnace of adversity.

    Senator Jarigbe’s decision to join the APC reflects his willingness to adapt and evolve, surrendering his attachment to the past and embracing the unknown, recognizing that true growth and victory lie on the other side of uncertainty. His move is a bold statement of intent, one that signals his willingness to take risks and challenge the status quo. With his deep understanding of the people, his ability to connect with them, and his knack for crafting winning strategies, Senator Jarigbe is poised to make history. His victory is not just a possibility, but a sure bet, as he has aligned himself with the forces of change and the will of the people.

    The APC is a party of winners, with a track record of success in Nigerian politics. Senator Jarigbe’s decision to join the party is a strategic move that gives him access to a wealth of resources, expertise, and networks. The APC has a strong presence in Cross River State, and Senator Jarigbe’s move is likely to boost the party’s chances in the 2027 elections. His popularity and influence in the state make him a valuable asset to the party, and his decision to join is a significant coup.

    Surrender is not a sign of weakness, but a sign of strength. It takes courage to let go of the familiar and embrace the unknown. Senator Jarigbe’s decision to join the APC demonstrates his willingness to take risks and trust in the process of transformation. In politics, surrender is not just a personal journey, but a collective one. It requires a willingness to listen to others, to build coalitions, and to work towards a common goal. Senator Jarigbe’s move shows his ability to build bridges and unite people towards a common purpose.

    Senator Jarigbe’s journey to victory is not just about him, but about the people who support him. He has built a strong connection with the people, and they trust him to deliver on his promises. His decision to join the APC reflects his commitment to serving the people and making a positive impact in their lives. He is a leader who is willing to take risks and challenge the status quo, and his victory is a sure bet.

    In conclusion, Senator Jarigbe’s decision to join the APC is a masterstroke of political strategy, one that is anchored in the paradigm of surrender and transformation. His move reflects his willingness to take risks, trust in the process of transformation, and align himself with the forces of change and the will of the people. Let us, therefore, take a cue from Senator Jarigbe’s playbook and surrender to the fire that forges us. Let us emerge, reborn and renewed, our spirit unshaken, and our will unbroken. For it is in dying to our old selves that we are reborn, and it is in surrendering to the unknown that we discover our true potential. Victory is indeed a sure bet for Senator Jarigbe, and may his tribe increase! What a matchless persona in current political evolution. No one can doubt his capacity to make a fundamental difference and change. Has his entrance rattled the gladiators? One thing is sure, political permutations have been altered and he is leading the pack currently.

    Peter Agi (FCA)
    Writes from Ijegu Yala.

    Disclaimer: The opinion expressed in this article is strictly that of the author, and does not represent Theluminenews, its agent or the organisation the author works for/with.

  • Jarigbe’s Defection: All Chapter Executive Members Of PDP In Ogoja Chapter Resigns, Set To Join APC

    Jarigbe’s Defection: All Chapter Executive Members Of PDP In Ogoja Chapter Resigns, Set To Join APC

     

    The entire chapter structure of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogoja Local Government Area has submitted resignation letters, signaling their intent to defect to the All Progressive Congress (APC) in solidarity with Distinguished Sen Jarigbe Agom

    In a letter, made available to TheLumineNews, and signed by the Chapter Chairman Hon. Emmanuel Odidi and all chapter executives.

  • Clearing The Air On The Rift Between The Chapter Chairmen Of APC And The APC State Chairman As It Concerns My Ambition – Jarigbe

    Clearing The Air On The Rift Between The Chapter Chairmen Of APC And The APC State Chairman As It Concerns My Ambition – Jarigbe

     

    My dear leaders, members, and supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Cross River State,

    In the past few days, I have followed, with deep concern, the rising tensions within our great party in the state. As a dedicated stakeholder who recently joined the APC with a vision for a united and progressive Cross River, I feel compelled to address these developments directly.

    It has been brought to my attention that my name has been associated with the current rift, with specific references made to the 2027 elections and perceived differences with the State Chairman. I wish to state in the clearest terms possible that these narratives are not only premature but also a misrepresentation of the facts.

    The current challenges are not about the Cross River North Senatorial District, nor are they a personal conflict between myself and any individual. What we are witnessing is a broader, statewide issue that requires a collective and sober approach from all party leaders.

    I am a new member of this party. I came into the APC with a heart full of hope and a commitment to contribute to its growth and success. My primary desire is for peace, stability, and unity to prevail. As a Senator of the Federal Republic, my focus remains on delivering effective representation to the good people of Cross River North and supporting the developmental agenda of our Governor.

    Let me be unequivocal: I am a loyal party man. I hold His Excellency, Governor Ben Ayade, in high esteem as a former Governor . I am fully committed to supporting whatever the incumbent Governor wants and directs. His vision and leadership are crucial for our collective success, and I pledge to work harmoniously under his guidance to strengthen the APC across all wards and local governments.

    I, therefore, appeal to all party faithful,to sheathe their swords. Let us cease actions and utterances that fuel division and instead, channel our energies into building a formidable front. Let us all defer to the Leader of the Party , H. E. Prince Bassey Otu, instead of running riot.

    Let us remember that our strength lies in our unity. Our common goal should be to position the APC for victory in future elections, and this can only be achieved when we stand together as one.

    Thank you, and may God bless the All Progressives Congress and Cross River State.

    Senator Jarigbe A. Jarigbe
    Senator Representing Cross River North Senatorial District.

  • Breaking: APC Crisis Deepens As Protesters Barricades Cross River Office, Demands State Chairman’s Resignation

    Breaking: APC Crisis Deepens As Protesters Barricades Cross River Office, Demands State Chairman’s Resignation

    Culled Cross River Live

    The All Progressives Congress in Cross River State is facing serious crisis as protesters, comprising 35 chapter chairmen and secretaries, have blocked the party’s state office and demanded the resignation of State Chairman, Alphonsus Eba.

    The protesters on Wednesday at the party’s secretariat in Calabar were seen with various placards some of which read “Okadigbo must go”, “The party can’t be starving while you are living large” and “we are tired of your insolence and arrogance”.

    Other placards read “APC in Cross River State deserves a leader not a ruler and terror”, “for the interest of the party in Cross River State you are advised to throw in the towel”, “APC Cross River State deserves fresh air”.

    As at press time, no member of the APC SWC addressed the protesters who barricaded the secretariat and denied any access into and out of the party Secretariat.

    It could be recalled that in a communique presented on Tuesday, 18 APC chapter chairmen and 17 secretaries, represented by High Chief Kelvin Njong, demanded State Chairman Alphonsus Eba’s immediate resignation, citing loss of trust and withholding of three‑month stipends.

    They also alleged an unequal fund allocation by the State party chairman, misappropriation of election‑form proceeds and incitement.

    However, Eba denied the allegations , saying salaries are paid directly to ward executives and chairmen’s pay is withheld pending a probe.

     

  • C’RIVER APC Chairman, Alphonsus Eba Welcomes Sen Jarigbe Agom To The Party

    C’RIVER APC Chairman, Alphonsus Eba Welcomes Sen Jarigbe Agom To The Party

    RE : DEFECTION TO APC

    This evening at my residence in Abuja, I received Sen Jarigbe Agom , Senator representing the good people of Cross River North.

    Senator Jarigbe said his mission was to intimate me of his intention to join us in the APC and strengthen the party with the objective of building a united APC in Cross River Northern Senatorial District and the State at large.

    He further informed me of his earlier visits to both President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR and our Governor, H. E. Apostle Sen. Prince Bassey Otu to intimate them of same intention.

    As Chairman of the Ruling party APC, I welcomed him to my house and into the party as part of my political evangelical mission. I informed him that the APC is like a church and our doors are opened to everyone provided you abide by our rules and regulations.

    I took the opportunity to correct the false narrative being peddled by some persons that the Distinguished Senator was not welcomed by APC party leadership and stakeholders.

    I encouraged him to consult widely with the party leadership and critical stakeholders at the ward, chapter and state level to build cohesive political congeniality that engenders our core values of Peace, Love, Unity and Growth ( PLUG ) which is the pivot of my political evangelism and the nucleus of the fundamental objectives and directive principles of our administration.

    I wish to use this medium to appeal to all party faithful to avoid comments that breeds disunity.

    Once again, Sen. Jarigbe and everyone who is still in opposition but intends to join the APC is welcomed and I urge all ward chairmen to open the register of the party to enable everyone register pending our E registration exercise.

    Our focus on building a strong, united and indivisible party is for the common good of everyone.

    Long Live APC
    Long Live CRS
    Long Live FRN

    Signed

    Pol. Evg. Alphonsus Ogar Eba esq, JP.
    APC chairman, Cross River State

  • LG Elections: UniCross Alumni Congratulates Members Who Emerge APC Candidates, Hail Otu, Party

    LG Elections: UniCross Alumni C

    The University of Cross River State (UniCross) Alumni Association has extended its warmest congratulations to its members who emerged as candidates of the ruling APC in various offices for the forthcoming local government elections in the state.

    In a statement signed by the National Public Relations Officer of the association, Dr. Peace Egbai, the association commended Governor Bassey Otu, State Chairman of APC, Barr. Alphonsus Eba, the entire State Working Committee of the party, and all relevant stakeholders for their roles in the emergence of the candidates.

    While noting that as products of the university, they are expected to embody the values of excellence and dedication that it is known for, the alumni charged the candidates to work hard to win the elections and upon winning, see their positions as a call to service, not an opportunity to be served.

    According to the statement, “on behalf of the National President, Dr. Inyali Peter and the entire National Executive Council of the association, we extend our warmest congratulations to all our members who emerged candidates for various positions in the ruling APC ahead of the November 2nd local government elections in Cross River State.

    Even though for now, we may not have the comprehensive list of all our members who scale through, we’re aware that the immediate past Deputy National President, Katame Emilia, National Secretary, Njang Ndoma, Osim Markpeace and Kasetima Nentui have emerged Vice Chairmanship and councilorship candidates in Akamkpa and Ikom local government areas respectively.

    As an association, our charge to them when they assume office (we know they’ll win) is that they should be good ambassadors of Unicross and the alumni association. Their new offices should be seen as a stepping stone, not the destination, of their political careers. With hard work and determination, we know they can achieve great things and make a lasting impact on their respective local governments”.

    The statement added that, “Unicross has a reputation for producing high-achieving graduates therefore, we’re confident that these candidates will uphold this standard. They have the skills, knowledge, and passion to make a real difference, and we’re excited to see them in action as Vice Chairman and councillors. We wish them all the best in the upcoming elections and look forward to seeing the positive impact they will make upon assuming office”.

  • Stakeholders Appeal To Gov Otu, Party Organs To Micro-Zone Yala APC Chairmanship To Wanikade Ward

     

    Ahead of the November 2nd Local Government Elections in Cross River State, the entire Wanikade people have made a passionate appeal to His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Otu and All Progressives Congress leadership to consider the ward in fielding the party’s chairmanship candidate.

    The call aligns with the principle of justice and fairness as stakeholders of Wanikade Ward have called for fairness, justice, and equity by advocating for the zoning of the APC chairmanship ticket to their ward in the upcoming local government elections.

    It highlights a long standing tradition within Yala Local Government’s politics particularly the zoning arrangements between Constituency 1 (Yala) and Constituency 2 (Ukelle) with an established accord in 2010 in which committee led by Hon. (Bar) Ogana Lukpata formalised this zoning formula of ensuring a rotation of leadership positions among wards in Ukelle without conflict.

    Historically, each time the chairmanship is ceded to Ukelle, Ukelle leaders often meet to micro-zone to a specific ward that has not previously held the position.

    Citing instances, the people noted that “for instance in 2007, when the chairmanship was zoned to Ukelle, the leaders selected Mfuma/Ntrigom Ward, resulting in the election of Hon. (Bar) Fidel Egoro. Similarly, in 2013, the chairmanship again went to Ukelle, with the Igede Ward being selected and this led to the election of Hon. Mike Ede Usibe.

    Notably, during these meetings, Wanikade Ward was explicitly designated to receive the chairmanship in the next cycle given that it had not yet held the position in Yala Local Government Area.

    Since the local government’s inception in 1991, Wanikade Ward has been the only ward in Ukelle to have never occupied the chairmanship which is a significant representation imbalance.

    While appealing to Senator Otu and the party leadership to ensure equity and justice especially considering the fact that other wards in Ukelle have had different stints and tenures Chairmen in Yala Local Government Council while Wanikade has not had a shot at the council at any time which amplifies the plea for justice, equity and fairness to the ward.

    As the local government elections approaches with expression of Intent Form by All Progressives Congress, the Wanikade stakeholders stress the importance of addressing this historical disparity. They also argued that zoning the chairmanship to the ward would promote equitable representation in Ukelle and Yala Local Government Area.

    The Wanikade stakeholders expressed gratitude to His Excellency’s leadership an Barr Alphonsus Eba’s leadership of APC in Cross River State. They however appealed for balanced representation in chosing the party’s flag bearer as it moves forward in the electoral process.

  • Why The Defunct CPC Bloc Must Produce The Next APC Chairman BY OKOI OBONO-OBLA 

     

    The APC is an amalgamate of three political blocks, name ACN, ANPP, CPC, and factions of APGA, and DPP that came together to merge in 2013 to form the Party.
    The first National Chairman was the respected Chief Bisi Akande from 2013 to 2014.
    He came from the defunct ACN bloc.
    The next chairman was Chief John Oyegun.
    He was chairman from 2014 to 2018 and also was of the ACN bloc.

    The next chairman was Comrade Adams Oshiomole from 2018 to 2019.
    He was also from the ACN bloc.
    He was replaced in July 2019 with His Excellency, Mai Mala Buni, as Acting National Chairman of the APC from 2019 to 2022.
    He was also from the ACN bloc.
    He was replaced by Senator Abdullahi Adamu, a defector from the PDP. He was chairman from March 2022 to August 3 2023.
    He was replaced by Dr Abdullahi Umar Danguje ,another defector from PDP, on the 3 August 2023 until now.

    He should resign and leave the seat for somebody from North Central Geopolitical Zone who must be from the old CPC bloc.
    This is the justice of the matter .
    @ Obono-Obla