Former presidential aide, Chief Okoi Obono-Obla, has noted that the release by All Progressives Party in Cross River State cautioning aides to Governor Bassey Otu and other party members from criticizing underperforming federal lawmakers from the state’s central district, is an attempt to muzzle genuine voices seeking accountability and a step toward authoritarianism
He described the move as “arrant nonsense” and a dangerous attempt to shield mediocrity.
Obono-Obla, a lawyer, said the order was both undemocratic and unconstitutional.
According to him, no section of the APC Constitution prohibits members from openly criticizing underperforming leaders or elected representatives.
Citing Article 21.2 of the party’s constitution, Obono-Obla listed recognized offences such as anti-party activities, impersonation of party officers, factionalization, thuggery, and filing court cases without exhausting internal mechanisms.
Himself an APC stalwart, he noted that criticism of poor governance or incompetent lawmakers is not among them.
He argued that it was disturbing that the party would seek to silence internal voices simply for calling out inefficiency.
“It beggars belief that the Party would issue such an insidious release to shield underperforming leaders or representatives,” he said.
The former presidential adviser further recalled that the APC’s own objectives, as captured in Article 7 of its Constitution, include promoting internal democracy, defending human rights, and ensuring freedom of expression and of the press.
He insisted that gagging critics contradicts the very foundation of the party.
According to him, aides and party members who demand accountability are not enemies but true defenders of democracy.
“The Party should be eternally grateful to members who hold those they helped into office accountable,” he stressed.
Obono-Obla warned that suppressing dissent under the guise of party discipline would only erode democratic norms and destroy public trust in the APC. He urged the leadership to retrace its steps and protect political discourse rather than strangling it.
He concluded that the health of Nigeria’s democracy depends on the right to critique and question leaders.
APC tilting towards authoritarianism – Obono-Obla as Cross River gags critics
