Crisis Rocks APC in Cross River as Ward Chairman Alleges #22m Extortion, Assault
By Goodness Ekpang
Fresh tensions have erupted within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Cross River State following serious allegations of extortion, intimidation, and assault in Bunyia/Okubuchi Ward of Boki Local Government Area.
The Ward Chairman, Michael Bana Odu, raised the alarm over what he described as an “ugly incident” that occurred on April 7, 2026, involving key party stakeholders and a prominent political figure.
According to Odu, a retired Assistant Inspector General of Police, Bassey Abang, had invited the APC chapter chairman and the House of Representatives member representing Boki/Ikom Federal Constituency Hon. Victor Abang to his residence. However, upon their arrival, the situation reportedly escalated when some party members who got wind of the meeting were allegedly denied access to the venue.
Odu claimed that a group of individuals, described as “impostors,” locked out other party members and insisted on holding a private session with the lawmaker. He further alleged that about 22 individuals were ushered into a private seating area where they demanded a sum of ₦22 million from the federal lawmaker before allowing him to leave.
The ward chairman expressed concern that he was neither informed nor involved in what appeared to be a party-related meeting within his jurisdiction, describing the development as a breach of party protocol.
He said, “If this was a legitimate party meeting, I, as the ward chairman, should have been informed. APC Bunyia/Okubuchi Ward condemns in totality this act by a faceless group not recognized by the party.”
Odu also recalled a previous incident on February 28, 2026, during the party’s ward congresses, where he alleged he was physically attacked at a meeting reportedly convened by the same retired police officer.
According to him, the attack left him injured, with his eyeglasses broken, and he has yet to receive any form of apology or communication.
Despite the tensions, Odu maintained that the ward remains law-abiding and open to all aspirants. He, however, warned that the Ward Executive Committee would not hesitate to invoke relevant provisions of the party’s constitution to discipline any member found culpable of misconduct, including possible suspension.
The incident adds to growing concerns over internal disputes within the APC in Cross River State, as party leaders continue to grapple with issues of cohesion and discipline ahead of future political activities.
Core reporters observed that they seems to be a silence tussle between the retired AIG, the local government leader of the APC and the Bumyia/Okubuchi ward chairman eventhough they both hailed from same community
