Delta: Group fingers Akpabio in alleged plot to subvert APC constitution in forthcoming primaries

Pressure group within the All Progressives Congress, APC Crusaders & Messengers Movement, has fingered the Delta State leadership of the party and President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, in alleged plot to subvert APC constitution during conduct of the forthcoming primaries of the party in Delta state,

The group in a statement made available to newsmen Wednesday night, urged Senator Akpabio to focus on his responsibilities as President of the Senate and work towards the political stability of his home state, Akwa - Ibom, instead of interfering in the affairs of Delta APC.

The Secretary and Director of Mobilization, APC Crusaders & Messengers Movement, Comrade Esu Omeyin Oritse and Clifford Iburho, in the statement, warned against imposition of unpopular candidates in Delta State APC, under the guise of consensus.

The statement, reads: " The APC Crusaders & Messengers Movement has issued a strong cautionary statement to the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) especially Delta State chapter and the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, to immediately stop interfering in the internal political processes of the Delta State All Progressives Congress (APC).The Movement views recent actions and perceived external influences as a distraction from the local leadership's efforts to build a cohesive and united party. 

" We assert that his focus should remain on his constitutional responsibilities in the National Assembly and the political stability of his home state, Akwa Ibom.

" We are warning against the imposition of unpopular candidates under the guise of "consensus" arrangements.The Movement stresses that while the APC Constitution recognizes Consensus and Direct primaries. These mechanisms must be used to strengthen not undermine internal democracy. We assert that consensus should only be reached through genuine agreement among all stakeholders. Where such agreement fails, the party must immediately resort to democratic primaries to ensure the emergence of popular candidates.

" The Movement warns that forcing unpopular candidates on the grassroots will lead to severe consequences, including widespread disenchantment and a breakdown of party cohesion.

"The leadership is reminded that the APC Constitution provides for primaries as the fallback when consensus fails. Bypassing this process threatens the sustainability of the party’s success.

" To maintain party unity, the Movement insists that the will of the members must be respected through a transparent selection process."The only way to sustain party unity and ensure a formidable front ahead of the elections is to allow for a fair and democratic process," the statement read. "If consensus fails, the party must go ahead with primaries. This is the only path to deepening our democracy and ensuring the loyalty of the rank and file."The APC Crusaders & Messengers Movement remains committed to the progress of the party but insists that the leadership must prioritize the voices of the people to avoid avoidable electoral setbacks.

" We further clarified our stance on the upcoming party primaries, insisting that true internal democracy begins with a fair and transparent process that guarantees a level playing field for all participants.Central to this demand is the unconditional right of all eligible aspirants to purchase expression of interest and nomination forms without hindrance or selective restriction. The Movement notes with concern reports of potential attempts to "hijack" or limit access to these forms to favor specific individuals, a practice that directly contradicts the APC Constitution and the principles of fair competition.

" The leadership must ensure that official payment channels and bank account details are widely publicized and accessible to all. No aspirant should be denied the chance to buy forms as a means of pre-determining the contest's outcome.

"The screening of all aspirants who successfully purchase and submit forms must be conducted openly and based on clearly defined constitutional criteria, rather than political favoritism.

" All aspirants, regardless of their perceived "clout," must be given an equal opportunity to canvass for votes among party members.

"The Movement reaffirms that consensus is only valid when it is the product of mutual consent from all screened aspirants. If even one aspirant insists on their right to a contest, the party must proceed to a primary election."A primary election cannot be deemed credible if the process of even entering the race is manipulated. Every aspirant has the chance to buy forms and compete, the party protects itself from the legal and internal crises that follow the imposition of candidates".The APC Crusaders & Messengers Movement calls on the National Working Committee (NWC) to monitor state chapters closely and ensure that the "level playing field" promised is a reality for every member of the party."

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