The ruling APC in Cross River State has urged contenders for various political seats to defect if they are dissatisfied with the party’s consensus arrangements.
Alphonsus Eba, the party’s chairman, spoke over a radio program.
Many of the state’s aspirants who were told to accept the consensus arrangements have expressed their dissatisfaction.
Eba stated that it is not necessary for disgruntled APC members to remain in the party when they may decamp or start their own parties.
“If any one of you feels dissatisfied with the decision of the party to go for consensus candidates you can decamp to other parties who are looking for candidates and pursue your ambitions.
“Better still, you may proceed to form your own party where it can be possible to impose your candidature.
“In APC, the decision of the party is supreme.”
Speaking to journalists, a party stalwart, John George Alaha who spoke on behalf of one of the aspirants, said, “consensus is never part of democracy.
We have spent money to buy forms, do declarations and consultations, and we are asked to step down. This is not going down well.”
Another chieftain, a US-based Archbishop, Ikpeme Johnson called on political parties in Nigeria to tread the issue of consensus candidates cautiously.
“Let there be a level playing ground for all contestants both in Cross River State and the country.
“The aspirants should be allowed to test their popularity amongst the people.”
Source: dailypost.ng