APC risks weakening internal cohesion by sidelining founding members – Obono-Obla

Former presidential aide, Chief Okoi Obono-Obla, has warned that the All Progressives Congress, APC, could weaken its internal cohesion if it continues to sideline some of its founding members in favour of newer entrants.

Obono-Obla, reacting to comments made by APC chieftain Cletus Obun during an interview on Arise Television, said many party loyalists who helped build the APC from its formative years have been left out of key political appointments and decision-making processes.

He recalled that the APC emerged in 2013 through the merger of opposition political parties, including the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) and a faction of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), ahead of the 2015 general elections.

According to him, several individuals who played active roles in building the party at the grassroots have gradually become less visible in its affairs, particularly in Cross River State.

He cited himself, former National Vice Chairman (South-South) of the APC, Hilliard Eta, and former Minister of State for Education, John Odey, among those he described as early party loyalists whose contributions should not be overlooked.

Obono-Obla argued that while political parties naturally attract new members, sustained recognition of long-serving members is essential for unity, institutional memory and grassroots mobilisation.

He warned that neglecting founding members could encourage internal discontent and deepen divisions within the ruling party.

The former presidential aide urged the APC leadership to adopt an inclusive approach that accommodates both pioneer members and newer entrants in order to strengthen party unity ahead of future political contests.