By Frank Ulom
The Cross River State Consultative Forum (CRSCF) has accused former Cross River State APC Chairman and current PDP deputy governorship candidate, Barr. Alphonsus Ogar Eba, of political inconsistency, citing his past endorsements of Governor Bassey Otu and his recent criticisms of the administration, is accused of political inconsistency.
In a statement issued in Calabar on June 10, the forum described Eba’s attacks on the governor’s efforts to recover and secure oil wells for the state as a contradiction of positions he previously championed while serving as a leading figure in the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The statement, signed by the forum’s Chairman, Barr. Eyo Nsa Ekpo, and Secretary, Dr Julius Ochim Okputu, recalled several occasions between 2023 and 2025 when Eba publicly praised Governor Otu’s leadership and policies.
According to the group, Eba had, during campaign activities ahead of the 2023 governorship election, described Otu as a transformational leader whose record surpassed those of other candidates. The forum also noted that Eba had repeatedly expressed confidence in the governor’s ability to deliver good governance and had defended key policies of the administration.
“These were not whispers in the corridor. They were trumpet blasts from the party’s high priest,” the statement said.
The forum linked Eba’s change of stance to his removal as APC state chairman in December 2025. It alleged that a majority of members of the party’s State Executive Committee passed a vote of no confidence in him over issues including alleged financial mismanagement, unpaid salaries and stipends for party workers, leadership concerns and the prolonged closure of the party secretariat.
The CRSCF claimed that following the dispute, Eba challenged his removal in court before eventually resigning from the APC and joining the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The forum argued that his current criticisms of the Otu administration stem from personal grievances rather than genuine concerns about governance.
While acknowledging that the administration has faced challenges, including concerns over flooding, public service welfare and the pace of some projects, the group maintained that Governor Otu’s “People First” agenda has recorded measurable achievements.
It cited road construction and rehabilitation projects across the state, investments in education and healthcare, support for farmers, payment of salaries, pensions and gratuities, as well as efforts to strengthen security and reposition the tourism sector.
The forum also defended the state’s campaign to reclaim lost oil wells and revive economic assets, describing the initiative as critical to Cross River’s economic future.
The statement further accused Eba of attempting to undermine the administration through criticism of reports assessing the state’s quality of life, alleging that such efforts were politically motivated.
“Governor Bassey Otu’s ‘People First’ journey, though imperfect, continues with tangible motion: building, healing, reclaiming, and planting seeds for a greater tomorrow,” the forum stated.
The CRSCF urged Cross River residents to assess political actors based on their records and consistency, expressing confidence that voters would ultimately determine the state’s future direction in the 2027 elections.
When contacted on Thursday, Barr. Eba told Converseer that his media aide will respond to the forum’s rebuttal.
“My SA media will respond. I will not dignify them with my response,” Eba said.
