The Deputy National Treasurer of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Engr. Ben Akak, has urged aggrieved aspirants, members of the Cross River State House of Assembly and other party faithful to embrace reconciliation following the outcome of the party’s recently concluded primaries.
Akak, in a statement issued amid reports of alleged meetings involving some lawmakers over the party’s political direction, appealed to stakeholders to exercise restraint and place the collective interest of the APC and the future of Cross River State above personal grievances.
He acknowledged that primary elections could generate strong emotions, particularly among aspirants and their supporters whose expectations were not met, but stressed that such disagreements should be resolved through dialogue, established party mechanisms and constructive engagement.
According to him, the strength of a political party lies not in the absence of disagreements but in its ability to manage competing interests, reconcile differences and maintain unity around a common purpose.
The APC chieftain cautioned members of the State Assembly and other aggrieved stakeholders against allowing disputes over party tickets to undermine the party’s cohesion or damage political relationships built over the years.
He also advised against drawing premature conclusions from reports of meetings allegedly held by some lawmakers, noting that political consultations should not automatically be interpreted as evidence of hostility towards the party’s leadership or its candidates.
Akak reaffirmed the importance of supporting Governor Bassey Edet Otu and other duly recognised APC candidates, while urging party leaders to create room for genuine reconciliation with aggrieved members.
He maintained that preparations for the 2027 general elections required cooperation, strategic coordination and the active participation of party members across all constituencies.
The business mogul and politician called on the APC leadership at both state and national levels to listen to the concerns of dissatisfied aspirants and other stakeholders, stressing that a sincere reconciliation process would help restore confidence and strengthen the party’s grassroots structures.
He observed that political ambition should not become a source of permanent division, noting that aspirants who participated in the primaries remained valuable stakeholders whose experience, political networks and contributions could benefit the party.
Akak further urged party faithful to avoid inflammatory statements, personal attacks and speculation capable of escalating tensions, advocating patience, maturity and respect for the party’s established processes.
Expressing confidence that the outstanding differences could be resolved, he said dialogue, mutual understanding and a renewed commitment to unity remained essential to protecting the party’s interests in Cross River State.
He urged APC members to remain steadfast and work together, insisting that disagreements arising from the primaries should not distract the party from strengthening its structures and preparing for the 2027 general elections.
By Kingsley Agim
