The political fortunes of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Cross River State have come under scrutiny following reports that the party’s state chairman, Goddie Akpama, has been listed as a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship Campaign Council for the 2027 general election.

 

The development has raised questions about Akpama’s political allegiance and could pose a challenge for the NDC and its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, ahead of the forthcoming elections.

 

Rank News reports that, Akpama was listed as number 95 on the Cross River State APC campaign council list, which reportedly surfaced on social media.

Cross River

The report described the development as a potential setback for Obi and other NDC candidates in the state, particularly amid concerns about the party’s political activities and organisational structure.

 

Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, is the APC candidate at the centre of the party’s 2027 governorship campaign preparations.

 

However, it remains unclear from the information available whether Akpama’s inclusion on the campaign council list was made with his knowledge or consent, or whether he has formally aligned with the APC.

 

Allegations of APC Links Resurface

The latest development has revived earlier allegations that Akpama maintained links with the ruling APC despite serving as the NDC chairman in Cross River State.

 

According to the report, documents purported to be payroll slips had previously circulated, allegedly showing that Akpama remained on the APC government’s payroll.

 

The allegations reportedly prompted Akpama to issue a disclaimer through the mainstream media, in which he reaffirmed his allegiance to the NDC.

 

His reported appearance on the APC campaign council list has now reignited concerns among party stakeholders, with questions being raised about his commitment to building the NDC’s structure ahead of the 2027 elections.

 

The allegations have not been independently verified, and the report did not include a fresh response from Akpama addressing his reported appointment.

 

Concerns Over NDC’s Political Structure

The controversy comes amid broader concerns about the NDC’s visibility and organisational preparedness in Cross River State.

 

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The report also alleged that Prince Victor Ategwu Akpam, described as a pioneer member of the NDC in the state, expressed concern after visiting Calabar, the state capital, and reportedly finding no NDC posters or billboards across the city.

 

The development was said to have raised suspicions among some party members that the party’s activities were not receiving the attention needed to strengthen its profile ahead of the 2027 elections.

 

However, the allegation that the lack of campaign materials was part of a deliberate effort to undermine the party has not been independently established.

 

The report further claimed that petitions and votes of no confidence had previously been directed at Akpama, while questioning why the NDC’s National Working Committee had yet to take decisive action over the issues raised against him.

 

Questions Over Akpama’s Allegiance

Akpama’s reported inclusion on the APC campaign council list has triggered several questions about the leadership and future of the NDC in Cross River State.

 

Among the issues raised are whether he remains committed to the NDC, whether his reported links with the APC could affect the party’s chances in 2027, and whether the NDC leadership has adequately investigated the allegations against him.

 

The controversy has also prompted questions about the party’s preparedness to mobilise support for Obi and its other candidates in the state.

 

For a party seeking to expand its political influence ahead of a major election, uncertainty surrounding the allegiance of its state chairman could create internal divisions and weaken its organisational efforts if the concerns are not addressed.

 

Calls for NDC National Leadership to Intervene

The report called on the NDC’s National Working Committee to urgently investigate the circumstances surrounding Akpama’s reported inclusion on the APC campaign council list.

 

It urged the party’s national leadership to summon the state chairman, seek clarification over the allegations and determine whether disciplinary action is warranted.

 

The report warned that failure to address the controversy could undermine the NDC’s electoral prospects in Cross River State and complicate efforts to mobilise support for Obi and other party candidates.

 

As the 2027 general election approaches, clarification from Akpama, Governor Otu’s campaign organisation and the NDC national leadership could help establish the circumstances surrounding the reported appointment.

 

For now, the central question remains whether Akpama’s appearance on the APC campaign council list reflects a change in political allegiance or another development that requires clarification from the parties involved.