A deep crisis is unfolding within the Cross River State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC). The party’s National Working Committee (NWC) is now intervening. Their goal is to restore order and ensure due process.

This intervention began with a formal summons. APC National Legal Adviser, Murtala Aliyu Kankia, issued it. He instructed State Chairman Alphonsus Eba to appear before the national leadership. This meeting will address allegations from State Executive Committee (SEC) members.

A letter dated December 4, 2025, outlined the directive. It was made public to journalists in Calabar. Kankia instructed Eba to be at the APC National Secretariat in Abuja. The scheduled time is Monday, December 8, 2025, at 4 p.m.

The statement partly read: “I formally notify you of a scheduled meeting. This meeting will address the vote of no confidence passed on you. Members of the Cross River State Executive Committee passed this vote.” It continued, “We need to clarify the development’s circumstances. Your response must be properly documented. Therefore, you are invited to a meeting. There, we will hear directly from you. This ensures due process in handling these issues.”

Eba Dismisses Removal Claims

The NWC’s action follows troubling reports. Some SEC members allegedly heard that ‘The System’ no longer desired Eba in office. Eba, however, strongly rejected his removal. He called it unconstitutional and a “joke taken too far”.

Last month, Eba faced earlier calls for resignation. These came from the Forum of Chapter Chairmen and Secretaries. They accused him of high-handedness and diverting funds. Non-payment of stipends was another key accusation.

Eba, in turn, alleged financial misconduct. He claimed some officials were involved in over N60 million fraud. He also stated the party now uses a direct payment system. This system ensures funds go directly to all 5,778 executives statewide. It aims to prevent any fund diversion.

Eba maintained that chapter chairmen lack constitutional authority. They cannot demand his resignation. He cited Article 21.3 (vi) (d) of the APC Constitution. This article states only the South South Zonal Executive Committee oversees disciplinary actions for a state chairman.

“They are running away from their shadows,” Eba remarked. He accused his opponents of pursuing a politically motivated agenda.

Eba’s Prominent Party Role

Despite these controversies, Eba remains prominent within the APC. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu nominated him. This was at the February 2025 NEC meeting. He joined the constitution review committee. Eba also serves as National Secretary for the Forum of APC State Chairmen. He represents the South South geopolitical zone on the committee.

Eba reacted to the current situation. He insisted the action against him “will not stand.” He added, “The process is a joke taken too far. God will speak at the appropriate time.”

Path Towards Reconciliation

With the NWC’s intervention, party stakeholders are hopeful. They believe a truce may be brokered soon. The national leadership aims to douse tensions. Their goal is to guide the chapter towards reconciliation. This is crucial ahead of the 2027 general elections.