The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Cross River State has unequivocally distanced itself from a petition alleging misappropriation of N12.5 billion in constituency funds against Senator Agom Jarigbe, who represents the Northern Senatorial District. The party’s state chairman, Alphonsus Eba, emphatically stated that the petition, purportedly filed by a concerned APC group, was not authorized by the party leadership and that the APC had no involvement in the matter. This disavowal comes on the heels of the APC’s recent declaration of its intention to challenge and unseat Senator Jarigbe, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in the 2027 general elections. The party’s seemingly contradictory actions – declaring intent to challenge the senator while simultaneously disowning a petition against him – highlight internal dynamics and strategic considerations within the APC.
Eba’s statement underscores the APC’s commitment to maintaining internal discipline and adhering to established procedures for legal actions. He issued a stern warning to party members, emphasizing that any legal proceedings undertaken in the name of the APC must receive explicit authorization from the party leadership. This directive aims to prevent unauthorized actions that could misrepresent the party’s stance or create internal divisions. The party’s concern over unauthorized legal actions suggests potential factionalism or individual agendas within the APC that could undermine the party’s overall strategy. The emphasis on authorized legal action also protects the party from potential legal ramifications or reputational damage arising from actions taken by individual members without the party’s sanction.
The APC’s disavowal of the petition can be interpreted in several ways. It may be a strategic move to avoid being perceived as engaging in politically motivated attacks against Senator Jarigbe, especially given the party’s stated intention to challenge him in the next election. By distancing itself from the petition, the APC can maintain a semblance of objectivity and focus on campaigning on its own merits rather than engaging in potentially damaging accusations. Alternatively, the disavowal could be a genuine attempt to maintain internal order and prevent rogue actions by individual members or factions within the party. The party’s leadership may be seeking to consolidate control and ensure that all actions align with the overall party strategy.
The timing of the petition and its subsequent disavowal is also significant. The APC’s recent declaration of its intention to unseat Senator Jarigbe in the 2027 elections sets the stage for a protracted political battle. The petition, regardless of its merits, could be viewed as a preemptive strike against the incumbent senator, aimed at weakening his position and potentially damaging his reputation. However, the APC’s swift disavowal suggests a desire to avoid being drawn into a legal quagmire that could distract from its long-term electoral goals. The party may prefer to focus its energies on building its own campaign and presenting a compelling alternative to the electorate rather than engaging in potentially protracted legal battles.
The APC’s focus on the 2027 gubernatorial election further underscores its strategic priorities. Chairman Eba reaffirmed the party’s unwavering support for Governor Bassey Otu and Deputy Governor Peter Odey for reelection, emphasizing the principle of “not changing a winning team.” This clear endorsement solidifies the party’s commitment to the current administration and signals its confidence in their performance. By focusing on the gubernatorial race, the APC aims to maintain stability and continuity in the state’s leadership. The party’s emphasis on the gubernatorial election also suggests that it views this race as crucial for its overall political fortunes in the state. A strong gubernatorial performance could provide the party with a platform for further electoral successes in subsequent elections, including the senatorial race in the Northern Senatorial District.
In conclusion, the APC’s disavowal of the N12.5 billion constituency fund petition against Senator Jarigbe reflects a complex interplay of internal politics, strategic considerations, and a focus on the upcoming 2027 elections. The party’s emphasis on authorized legal actions, its unwavering support for the incumbent governor and deputy governor, and its declared intention to challenge Senator Jarigbe in the next election all point to a carefully calculated strategy aimed at consolidating power and achieving long-term electoral success in Cross River State. The party’s actions suggest a desire to project an image of unity, discipline, and focus, while simultaneously positioning itself as a viable alternative to the incumbent senator in the Northern Senatorial District. The unfolding political landscape in Cross River State promises a dynamic and potentially contentious electoral season in the years to come.
