Cross River Official Sacked for Urging Tinubu's Resignation — Party Crisis Deepens

A top official from Governor Bassey Otu's administration in Cross River State has been dismissed after publicly calling for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's resignation, according to a Premium Times report published this week. The sacked appointee, who served in a senior capacity within the state government, faces expulsion from the All Progressives Congress following comments that rattled party loyalists across Nigeria's South-South region.

Official Dismissed Over Presidential Comments

The dismissal marks a sharp escalation in intra-party tensions gripping the APC months after Tinubu's administration introduced sweeping economic reforms that triggered nationwide discontent. State government sources confirmed the official was removed from office within 48 hours of making the controversial statements, signalling zero tolerance for dissent from federal party leadership.

Cross River State, governed by Otu and his deputy Eno Osim, has been a stronghold for the APC since the party's 2023 electoral victory. The removal of a sitting official for criticising the president exposes fault lines within a party still adjusting to power at the centre.

Party Discipline Tightens Across South-South

APC leadership in the state moved quickly to distance itself from the comments. Party officials in Calabar held an emergency meeting shortly after the incident, with sources present describing a atmosphere of condemnation. The official's dismissal serves as a warning to other members considering public criticism of the federal government.

The incident comes as the APC faces mounting pressure from constituents frustrated by fuel subsidy removal and the resulting surge in living costs across Nigerian communities. Cross River residents have reported strain on household budgets since the policy took effect earlier this year.

Economic Pressure Fuels Political Discontent

For everyday citizens in Cross River's urban centres and rural communities, the political upheaval reflects deeper anxieties about economic direction. The state depends heavily on federal allocations, and any fracture between Abuja and local APC structures could affect development projects and civil service payments.

Local business owners in Calabar expressed concern that internal party battles distract leaders from addressing pressing issues. "People are struggling with prices. They want their government focused on the economy, not fighting each other," said a trader at the Marian Market, speaking on condition of anonymity.

What Happens Next for the Sacked Official

The former appointee now faces a two-pronged battle: losing state employment and potential expulsion from the APC. Party sources indicated formal disciplinary proceedings could conclude within the next two weeks. Supporters of the official argue the dismissal chills free expression within the party, while critics maintain that openly calling for a president's resignation crosses a line in a ruling party.

Observers note the timing is delicate, coming ahead of local government elections expected in the state later this year. Any split in APC ranks could reshape the political landscape ahead of those polls.

Broader Implications for Nigeria's Ruling Party

The Cross River incident is not isolated. APC chapters in several states have reported similar tensions as party members balance loyalty to Tinubu against voter anger over economic hardship. The president's approval ratings have dipped since subsidy removal, according to independent surveys, putting pressure on party structures to deliver visible improvements or contain public frustration.

For Cross River residents, the immediate question is whether the government can maintain stability while addressing their concerns. The dismissal of a senior official signals a party choosing discipline over dialogue — a calculation that could either shore up support or deepen resentment among ordinary members.

Watch Next: State Party's Response and LG Elections

APC stakeholders in Cross River will be watching closely for any further fallout. The party's state chairman is expected to address reporters in Calabar by the end of the month, with analysts predicting a renewed push to align local priorities with federal policies. How that balance is struck will determine whether the incident stabilises or widens the cracks within Nigeria's ruling party in the South-South.