APC Risks Internal Crisis by Sidelining Founding Members – Obono-Obla

Former presidential aide, Chief Okoi Obono-Obla, has warned
that the All Progressives Congress, APC, could weaken its internal cohesion if
it continues to sideline some of its founding members in favour of newer
entrants.

 

Obono-Obla, reacting to comments made by APC chieftain
Cletus Obun during an interview on Arise Television, said many party loyalists
who helped build the APC from its formative years have been left out of key
political appointments and decision-making processes.

He recalled that the APC emerged in 2013 through the merger
of opposition political parties, including the Action Congress of Nigeria
(ACN), Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP)
and a faction of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), ahead of the 2015
general elections.

According to him, several individuals who played active
roles in building the party at the grassroots have gradually become less
visible in its affairs, particularly in Cross River State.

He cited himself, former National Vice Chairman
(South-South) of the APC, Hilliard Eta, and former Minister of State for
Education, John Odey, among those he described as early party loyalists whose
contributions should not be overlooked.

Obono-Obla argued that while political parties naturally
attract new members, sustained recognition of long-serving members is essential
for unity, institutional memory and grassroots mobilisation.

He warned that neglecting founding members could encourage
internal discontent and deepen divisions within the ruling party.

The former presidential aide urged the APC leadership to
adopt an inclusive approach that accommodates both pioneer members and newer
entrants in order to strengthen party unity ahead of future political contests.

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