The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Cross River State has dismissed claims that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is responsible for the party’s internal crisis in the state.
The State Chairman of the party, John Ogar, made the clarification during a press briefing in Calabar while reacting to an earlier altercation involving some alleged members of the party.
the leadership of the party in the state had earlier disrupted an event organised by some alleged members without proper authorisation.
Represented by the Vice-Chairman of ADC in the Central Senatorial District, McFarlane Ejah, Ogar insisted that the APC had no involvement in the issue.
He said the party remained committed to people-centred development and democratic principles.
Ogar maintained that the ADC in Cross River had no factions and operated strictly in line with its constitution.
He added that the state chapter recognised only one leadership structure and condemned actions by individuals allegedly organising meetings in the party’s name without authorisation.
According to him, such actions were unacceptable and capable of creating confusion among party members.
Ogar explained that the controversy arose from a planned inauguration of a Membership Mobilisation, Registration and Revalidation (MMR) committee by unknown individuals.
“The composition of the committee was not submitted to or approved by the state leadership of ADC, and the group also failed to recognise the existing party structure in the state.
“This move is an attempt by some individuals to hijack the party for personal interests,” he said.
Ogar said a formal complaint was submitted to the Commissioner of Police regarding the planned meeting, after which the organisers were invited for discussions with party representatives.
He said that despite the engagement, the organisers reportedly insisted on proceeding with the meeting.
“The party leadership intervened to stop the meeting scheduled to hold at Ascot Event Centre in Calabar because ADC abhors violence and remains committed to peaceful political engagement,” he said.
Ogar challenged the individuals allegedly behind the move to openly declare their intentions.
He noted that the party had earlier established a fusion and engagement committee to accommodate groups interested in joining the ADC.
While some groups had worked harmoniously with the party leadership, he alleged that a bloc largely made up of dissatisfied members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had refused to cooperate.
He emphasised that membership registration in the party begins at the ward level and must follow constitutional procedures.
Ogar cited former governor Donald Duke as an example of a leader who followed the party’s registration process by registering at his ward in line with party guidelines.