The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Cross River State has apologised after mistakenly listing a deceased Army General and a serving Supreme Court Justice among stakeholders invited to a meeting with Governor Bassey Edet Otu.
The party admitted the error following public outrage over the controversial invitation list circulated ahead of its pre-congress stakeholders’ meeting.
In a statement dated February 15, 2026, and signed by the state Publicity Secretary, Emmanuel Edem Inyang, the APC acknowledged that several names were published in error and have now been withdrawn.
Those affected include the late Major General Edward Ushie Unimna, whose death and burial were recorded in 2025. The party apologised to his family for the oversight.
Also wrongly listed were Justice Emmanuel Akomaye Agim of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, Prof. Offiong Offiong, Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Francisca Bassey of the University of Cross River State, and Chief Magistrate David Edogi.
“The leadership of the APC Cross River State Chapter hereby notifies its members, stakeholders, and the general public that certain names included in the earlier list were published in error and should therefore be disregarded,” the statement read.
The party added that it “sincerely tenders its unreserved apologies” for the mistake.
The meeting is scheduled for February 16, 2026, at the Calabar International Convention Centre.
However, the inclusion of judicial officers and heads of federal universities triggered widespread criticism, with many questioning the neutrality of non-partisan public officials.
Vice chancellors of federal universities often serve as returning officers during national elections. Observers warned that listing them as party stakeholders could undermine public confidence in the electoral process.
The appearance of the late General’s name further deepened concerns about the credibility and verification process behind the invitation list.
The APC has since withdrawn the affected names and appealed for understanding as it prepares for its pre-congress activities in Cross River State.
