CROSS RIVER, CALABAR – The newly inaugurated Chapter Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Calabar South, Elder Chief Archibong Ironbar, has pledged to prioritise grassroots engagement and party unity.
Ironbar made the commitment shortly after his inauguration, describing his election as a call to service rather than an opportunity for personal recognition.
He said his leadership would focus on strengthening party structures and improving coordination across wards within the local government area.
“My name is Elder Chief Archibong Ironbar. I have just been elected and inaugurated as Chapter Chairman of APC in Calabar South,” he stated.
He expressed appreciation to party members for entrusting him with the leadership responsibility at a critical period for the party.
Chairman Emphasizes Responsibility Over Title
Ironbar said the position requires dedication, sacrifice, and collective effort from all party stakeholders to achieve meaningful progress.
According to him, leadership within the party must focus on service delivery and not personal ambition or prestige.
“This position is not about holding power or enjoying the title. It is an office that demands dedication, cooperation, and service,” he said.
He noted that his administration would immediately begin structured engagements with party executives and grassroots members.
The chairman added that he had already met with members of the executive committee to initiate plans for immediate action.
Focus on Ward-Level Engagement
The APC chairman disclosed that his leadership would prioritise direct engagement with ward structures across the local government.
He explained that the chapter comprises twelve wards, with Ward 11 and Ward 12 identified as particularly large and politically significant.
Ironbar said relying solely on chapter-level meetings limits effective communication between leadership and grassroots members.
“One of the challenges is that meetings at the chapter level do not always reflect what is happening in the wards,” he explained.
He stated that his administration would adopt a more inclusive approach by taking leadership discussions directly to the wards.
Plan to Visit All Twelve Wards
Ironbar announced plans to embark on visits to all twelve wards to interact directly with party members and stakeholders.
He said the visits would involve meetings with ward executives, councillors, and other key actors within the party structure.
“My plan is to go down to the wards and see what is happening. We will meet with stakeholders and listen to their concerns,” he said.
According to him, the engagement would provide firsthand insight into challenges affecting party operations at the grassroots level.
He noted that the initiative would also create opportunities for resolving disputes and strengthening collaboration.
Addressing Disunity Within Party Structure
The chairman acknowledged that disunity among party executives and elected officials remains a concern in some wards.
He explained that lack of coordination between party leaders and councillors can weaken the overall effectiveness of the party.
“In some wards, party executives, councillors, and stakeholders are not working together, and that affects our strength,” he said.
Ironbar stated that his administration would focus on bridging gaps and fostering unity among all party stakeholders.
He emphasised that collaboration among leaders would enhance the party’s performance and public perception.
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Strategy to Strengthen Electoral Performance
Ironbar stressed that unity at the ward level is critical to achieving electoral success during future elections.
He explained that coordinated efforts among party members would lead to increased mobilisation and voter turnout.
“The strength of the party during elections depends largely on the unity and organisation at the ward level,” he said.
According to him, improved coordination would position the party to secure a more decisive victory in upcoming elections.
He added that the administration would also review past electoral performances to identify areas requiring improvement.
Commitment to Surpass Past Records
The APC chairman disclosed that he intends to evaluate previous election results to set new performance benchmarks.
He stated that his administration would aim to exceed past achievements as part of its strategic objectives.
“If we cannot perform better than previous leadership, then it means we have not done enough,” he said.
Ironbar expressed confidence that the chapter would record improved outcomes under his leadership.
He noted that the vision of his administration is to build a stronger and more effective party structure.
Commendation of State Leadership
Ironbar also commended the leadership of the Cross River State government for ongoing development efforts.
He specifically acknowledged the contributions of the state governor and political leaders toward infrastructure and governance.
The chairman also praised Honourable Apostle Dr. Prince Bassey Edet Otu for his role in advancing development initiatives within the state.
“In my opinion, the state is witnessing significant progress across different sectors,” he said.
He added that residents have continued to acknowledge improvements in infrastructure and public services.
Development Visible Across Local Governments
Ironbar noted that development projects are visible across various local government areas in the state.
He explained that citizens can point to tangible improvements in their communities, reflecting government efforts.
“It is encouraging to see that development is reaching different communities at the same time,” he stated.
According to him, the widespread nature of the projects has increased public confidence in governance.
He said the ongoing initiatives demonstrate a commitment to inclusive development across the state.
Chairman Pledges Accountability and Service
Ironbar assured party members and residents that his administration would remain accountable and focused on service delivery.
He said leadership requires commitment, discipline, and the willingness to meet expectations of the people.
“I assure members of the party that we will not disappoint them. We will work to strengthen the structure,” he said.
He added that his administration would prioritise unity, organisation, and active participation at all levels of the party.
The chairman emphasised that the success of the party depends on strong grassroots structures.
Grassroots Strategy to Drive Party Growth
According to Ironbar his administration would focus on strengthening ward structures as the foundation of party success.
He explained that active and organised wards would lead to a stronger and more effective chapter.
“The work begins immediately, and our focus will be on the grassroots where the strength of the party lies,” he said.
He noted that sustained engagement at the grassroots level would improve coordination and mobilisation efforts.
The chairman added that his leadership would remain accessible to members across all wards.
Call for Unity and Collective Effort
Ironbar called on party members to support his administration and work together toward shared goals.
He emphasised that unity remains essential for achieving political success and organisational stability.
He urged stakeholders to prioritise cooperation and collective responsibility in strengthening the party.
“Together, we will move forward and ensure that our chapter grows stronger and achieves greater success,” he said.
He thanked party members for their support during his election and inauguration.
Conclusion
The inauguration of Elder Chief Archibong Ironbar marks a new phase for the APC chapter in Calabar South.
His focus on grassroots engagement, unity, and improved electoral performance signals a strategic shift in party leadership.
Political observers say the success of his administration will depend largely on effective implementation of the outlined strategies.
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