The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Cross River State is experiencing a deepening internal crisis. The party’s National Working Committee (NWC) has now stepped in. Its aim is to restore order and ensure due process within the state chapter.

This intervention follows a formal summons. APC National Legal Adviser, Murtala Aliyu Kankia, issued the summons. It instructs State Chairman Alphonsus Eba to appear before the national leadership. This is in response to allegations from members of the State Executive Committee (SEC).

Eba Summoned to Abuja

A letter dated December 4, 2025, confirmed this directive. Kankia instructed Eba to appear at the APC National Secretariat, Abuja. The meeting is set for Monday, December 8, 2025, at 4 p.m. Journalists in Calabar obtained a copy of this letter.

The statement read in part: “I write to formally notify you of a meeting scheduled to address the vote of no confidence passed on you by members of the Cross River State Executive Committee.”

It further stated: “In line with the need to clarify the circumstances surrounding the development and to ensure that your response is duly documented, you are invited to a meeting… for the purpose of hearing from you directly and ensuring due process is followed in handling the issues raised.”

Allegations and Chairman’s Rejection

The NWC’s action comes amidst various reports. Some SEC members reportedly heard that “The System no longer wanted Eba to remain in office.” However, Eba has dismissed his alleged removal as unconstitutional. He called it “a joke taken too far.”

Last month, Eba also rejected calls for his resignation. These calls came from the Forum of Chapter Chairmen and Secretaries. They accused him of high-handedness, fund diversion, and non-payment of stipends.

Counter-Claims and Constitutional Defense

In response, Eba made his own allegations. He claimed financial misconduct by some officials, involving over N60 million. He noted that the party had adopted a direct payment system. This system ensures all 5,778 executives across the state receive funds directly. It aims to prevent fund diversion.

Eba insisted that chapter chairmen lack the constitutional authority to demand his resignation. He cited Article 21.3 (vi) (d) of the APC Constitution. This article states that only the South South Zonal Executive Committee holds disciplinary oversight of a state chairman.

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

Eba’s Influence and Optimism for Resolution

Despite the controversy, Eba remains a prominent figure in the APC. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu nominated him at the February 2025 NEC meeting. He joined the constitution review committee. Eba also serves as National Secretary of the Forum of APC State Chairmen. He represents the South South geopolitical zone in the committee.

Reacting to the unfolding situation, Eba maintained his stance. He stated that the action against him “will not stand.” He added, “The process is a joke taken too far. God will speak at the appropriate time.”

With the NWC now stepping in, party stakeholders are hopeful. They believe a truce may be brokered soon. The national leadership seeks to douse tensions. Their goal is to steer the chapter toward reconciliation. This is crucial ahead of the 2027 general elections.