Internal Dispute Rocks Cross River ADC Over Alleged PDP Infiltration
A leadership dispute has emerged within the Cross River State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), with the party’s official hierarchy accusing allies of the rival Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of attempting to destabilise the coalition.
The conflict centres on a planned state meeting and the unauthorised formation of a membership committee. Dr. MacFarlane Ejah, Chairman of the Fusion and Engagement Committee, spoke on behalf of State Chairman Dr. John Ogar at a press briefing in Calabar. He directly blamed individuals linked to the PDP bloc within the ADC coalition for importing “crisis” and a “culture of impunity.”
The briefing followed a physical clash between supporters of former governor Senator Liyel Imoke and former Minister Usani Usani against the camp loyal to Chairman Ogar. Ejah alleged that the individuals instigating the tension had not formally resigned from the PDP or registered as ADC members in their local wards. He warned the party would reject any attempts to impose leadership, stating, “We reject impunity and imposition. We will not tolerate actions or attitudes that undermine the will of the people.”
A key point of contention is the planned inauguration of a “Membership Mobilisation, Registration and Revalidation” (MMR) committee across the state’s 18 local government areas. Ejah declared this committee “unknown to the ADC structure” and not sanctioned by state leadership, calling its formation “an affront to the constitutional structure of the party.” He noted the ADC is already conducting its own membership drive.
Ejah insisted the ADC in Cross River is not polarised but would resist unauthorised activities conducted in its name. “While the party abhors violence, it would not stand by while individuals who were not recognised members attempt to operate under its banner,” he said.
The accusation was countered by Usani Usani, who is both a key figure in the disputed faction and the ADC’s National Vice Chairman. Addressing journalists separately, Usani stated the MMR committee was established to strengthen the party in the state and assured it would “carry all interests alongside the national programme of the party.”
The public rift highlights the challenges of managing coalitions and internal cohesion within the ADC as it positions for future elections in Cross River State. The state leadership has drawn a line, demanding strict adherence to party structures and formal membership processes, while the opposing faction defends its actions as legitimate organisational efforts.
