ADC disowns ‘Illegal’ Meeting, warns against attempt to hijack party in Cross River

By Ike Uchechukwu, Calabar

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Cross River State has distanced itself from what it described as an unauthorised meeting allegedly convened by individuals it says are not recognised members of the party.

The party also warned that it would resist any attempt to hijack its structure in the state.

Speaking at a press briefing in Calabar on behalf of the state chairman, Ambassador Dr. John Oga, the party’s Vice Chairman for the Central Senatorial District, Dr. Mcphalane Ejah, described the development as a troubling attempt by unknown individuals to interfere with the party’s leadership structure.

Ejah reaffirmed that the party in the state remains united under the leadership of Ambassador John Oga and operates strictly in accordance with its constitution.

“As an opposition party, the ADC in Cross River State is committed to people-centred development and democratic principles. We believe the will of the people must be respected, and we will not tolerate actions that undermine that democratic will,” he said.

The party insisted there was no faction within its ranks in the state, maintaining that the only recognised leadership is the one headed by Oga.

ADC also rejected the planned inauguration of a purported Membership Mobilisation, Registration and Revalidation Committee for the 18 local government areas of the state, describing it as unknown to the state executive.

According to Ejah, the state leadership was not involved in submitting the names of individuals listed as members of the committee.

“The composition of the committee is alien to the state leadership. Even in its current form, the committee has not reached out to or recognised the state executive,” he said.

He alleged that the move appeared to be an attempt by certain individuals to take control of the party’s structure for personal interests and challenged those behind it to openly identify themselves.

To prevent a possible breach of peace, the party said it had alerted security agencies about an unauthorised meeting reportedly scheduled to hold at the Ascot Event Centre along Marian Road in Calabar.

Ejah said the party formally notified the Commissioner of Police in the state, warning that the meeting was convened without the approval of the party leadership and could potentially lead to unrest.

He explained that the decision to involve security agencies was taken to maintain peace and prevent any disturbances from being linked to the party.

According to him, when party members sought clarification about the meeting, the leadership informed them that it had not approved the gathering.

Ejah further stated that the convener of the meeting, when invited by the police, reportedly acknowledged the need to respect constituted authority but indicated that the event could not be cancelled because resources had already been committed to it.

The party also dismissed claims circulating in some quarters that the ruling party had a role in the controversy.

“The ruling party has nothing to do with the ADC. We approached the police simply to maintain peace and ensure there is no breakdown of law and order,” Ejah said.

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