A chieftain of the (APC) in Cross River State, Castro Ezama, has sparked widespread reactions after publicly criticising the performance of the ruling party and expressing doubts about its chances in a truly free and fair election.
Ezama, who previously served as Special Assistant on Education to former Cross River State Governor , questioned prevailing narratives linking Nigeria’s economic hardship to global crises, including tensions involving Iran, Israel, and the United States.
Speaking candidly, the APC chieftain argued that such explanations fail to address the real issues affecting Nigerians.
“I’m an APC member, but I tell you people that if we put election on ground, free and fair for people to vote their hearts, the answer we won’t win,” he said. “How do we explain that a war going on in Iran is why people are hungry in Nigeria?”
His remarks come at a time when many Nigerians are grappling with rising inflation and the increasing cost of basic goods and services, fueling frustration across the country.
Ezama further warned that the ruling party could face significant challenges in future elections if the electoral process is conducted transparently and without interference. According to him, internal practices within the political space are weakening democratic competition.
He alleged that certain elements within the APC are actively undermining opposition parties, a development he described as harmful to Nigeria’s democracy.
“Some elements in APC are stopping opposition parties from existing; it is a bad thing. Allow the opposition to exist so that parties can sit up, do what’s right, and nobody will be thinking of japa,” he added.
His comments have since ignited debate among political observers, with some viewing his stance as a rare moment of candour within the ruling party, while others see it as a reflection of growing internal discontent amid worsening economic conditions.
The APC has yet to issue an official response to Ezama’s claims.
