The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Cross River State risks internal conflict if it delays consensus-building ahead of the 2027 governorship primaries, according to political analysis emerging from the state. With the party's proposed timetable indicating that primaries must conclude by May 22, stakeholders warn that encouraging aspirants to conduct wide consultations without a structured negotiation framework may lead to resentment and disunity. Inyali Peter, a political commentator, emphasized that early stakeholder engagement across local governments, constituencies, and senatorial districts is critical to reflecting local power realities and ensuring legitimacy. He pointed to the South West, where five out of six APC states are reportedly moving toward consensus candidates through deliberate negotiations, concessions, and pre-agreements, rather than last-minute impositions. In those states, aspirants begin consultations only after broad understandings are in place, reducing friction, cost, and the risk of post-primary crises. By contrast, Cross River appears to be encouraging aspirants to expend resources without clarity on whether consensus will be pursued or how it will be achieved. Peter warned that imposing consensus at the final hour, or using compromised processes, could trigger defections and anti-party activities during elections. He stressed that the strength of a political party lies not only in electoral performance but in the fairness and foresight of its internal mechanisms. With ambitions rising and time running short, the Cross River APC leadership faces a choice between strategic unity and short-term expediency.
The APC in Cross River is repeating a familiar error by allowing aspirants to burn resources on consultations without confirming whether consensus is already predetermined. If the party follows the South West model, it must start negotiations now—not after campaigns have begun. Holding primaries by May 22 without resolving this disconnect only legitimizes a process that may already be rigged in practice. Aspirants are being set up to fail, and the party will pay the price.
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