ADC disowns ‘illegal’ meeting, vows to resist hijack in Cross River

By Ike Uchechukwu

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Cross River State has strongly condemned attempts by non-members to hijack the party’s structure, insisting that the party remains united under the leadership of its State Chairman, Ambassador Dr. John Oga.

Addressing journalists at a press briefing in Calabar on behalf of the state chairman, the Vice Chairman for the Central Senatorial District, Dr. Mcphalane Ejah, described the unauthorised activities as a troubling development orchestrated by individuals not recognised by the party.

Ejah appreciated the steadfast commitment of party members across the state to the growth of the ADC and reaffirmed the party’s dedication to people-centred development and democratic principles.

“As an opposition party, ADC in Cross River State is committed to people-centric development, placing the interests of the people at heart.

“We believe that the will of the people should prevail and be respected. We reject impunity and imposition and will not tolerate actions or attitudes that undermine the democratic will of the people,” he said.

The party emphasised that there is no faction in the ADC in Cross River State, maintaining that it operates strictly in line with its constitution. It insisted that the only recognised leadership is headed by Dr. John Oga.

The leadership dismissed the planned inauguration of a so-called Membership Mobilization, Registration and Revalidation Committee for the 18 local government areas, describing the committee as unknown and unrecognised by the state executive.

“The state leadership of ADC in Cross River State was not involved in submitting the published names of the membership of the purported committee.

“The composition is alien to us. Even in its alien status, the committee has refused to visit or recognise the state leadership,” Ejah stated.

He alleged that the move was a calculated attempt by certain individuals to hijack the party for personal interests and challenged those behind it to identify themselves openly.

“To forestall any breakdown of law and order, the party said it notified security agencies about an unauthorised meeting scheduled at the Ascot Event Centre along Marian Road in Calabar.

“A formal letter was sent to the Commissioner of Police, warning that the meeting was convened by unauthorised persons and could lead to unrest.

Ejah explained that the party took the step because “ADC abhors violence” and sought to prevent any incident being ascribed to it.

When members inquired about the meeting’s authenticity, the leadership clarified it was not approved.

“He added that the convener, when invited by the police, acknowledged the need to respect constituted authority but reportedly insisted the meeting could not be cancelled due to committed resources.

Dismissing speculations that the ruling party was involved in the dispute, Dr. McFarlane Eja (who also spoke at the briefing) described such claims as baseless and rooted in ignorance.

“The ruling party has nothing to do with ADC. We approached the police simply to maintain peace and ensure there is no breakdown of law and order. Anyone suggesting otherwise is only displaying ignorance,” he said.

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