APC begins reconciliation of aggrieved aspirants, plans byelection in Cross River

The ruling APC in Cross River State has commenced a reconciliation meeting with members of the party who aspired for different offices but controversially lost at the primaries.

At a news event, the chairman of the party, Alphonsus Ogar Eba confirmed that one of the key aspirants who eyed the governorship seat was a former Senator who represented the Central Senatorial District, John Owan-Enoh.

Owan-Enoh had expressed bitterness over the way he lost the guber primary to Senator Prince Bassey Otu, now the party’s candidate.

He had consolidated on the controversy over Otu’s educational qualifications which were under dispute, petitioned INEC and instituted legal proceedings against him.

“We are happy that we have been able to meet with Owan-Enoh. The meeting was positive. We are almost sure that he will withdraw the matter from the court”, he said.

In a statement signed by the party’s publicity secretary, Erasmus Ekpang, the APC State Peace and Reconciliation Committee has further pencilled former special assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on prosecution Okoi Obono-Obla, former chairman of Nigeria Ports Authority, Akin Rickets and 53 others for a reconciliatory meeting at Ikom tomorrow.

Meanwhile, the party said the fresh primaries for the Cross River State Northern Senatorial District and ward byelections are to hold at Ogoja Council Secretariat on Thursday.

The five LGA Chairmen and Chapter Chairmen in Cross River north met earlier to deliberate on the byelection.