Former senator and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Sandy Onor, has alleged that the removal of former Cross River APC chairman, Barrister Alphonsus Eba, was politically motivated and linked to his loyalty to former governor Ben Ayade.
Onor made the claim while speaking to supporters in Calabar, where he accused leaders within the All Progressives Congress (APC) of turning against individuals believed to be loyal to Ayade following the 2023 political transition in the state.
According to him, Eba’s only offence was his continued association and loyalty to the immediate past governor, whom he said played a major role in the emergence of the current APC leadership structure in Cross River State.
The former senator described the situation as political betrayal, insisting that some of those allegedly sidelining Ayade loyalists today benefited immensely from the former governor’s influence and political support in the past.
Onor further stated that no political leader has the power to permanently suppress another person politically, warning that power is temporary and political alignments can change at any time.
Barrister Alphonsus Eba was removed as chairman of the APC in Cross River following internal disagreements within the party. Members of the State Executive Committee had accused him of poor accountability, financial mismanagement and high-handed leadership style, allegations that eventually led to a vote of no confidence against him.
However, political observers within the state have continued to link Eba’s removal to the growing tension between camps loyal to Governor Bassey Otu and those believed to still maintain close ties with former governor Ben Ayade.
The controversy intensified after Eba openly identified with Ayade and reportedly organised political activities perceived by some party stakeholders as strengthening the former governor’s influence within the APC.
Reacting to the allegations, the APC dismissed claims that Eba’s removal was connected to Ayade, insisting that the decision was purely an internal administrative matter aimed at repositioning the party.
The development has further fueled speculation of deepening divisions within the Cross River APC ahead of future political contests in the state.
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