A team of mobile policemen in Calabar on Monday sealed off the venue scheduled for the inauguration of a membership registration and mobilisation committee of the African Democratic Congress.
The development occurred as the party also condemned what it described as attempts by individuals who are not members to take control of its structure in Cross River State. The party insisted it remains united under the leadership of its state chairman, John Oga.
The ADC had earlier established a Membership Mobilisation, Registration and Revalidation Committee headed by Eko Alobo, with its inauguration scheduled to take place at an event centre along Marian Road.
However, by about 7 a.m., a team of policemen reportedly cordoned off the venue, preventing party members from entering the premises.
A source close to the security personnel at the location said the officers were acting on instructions from higher authorities following a petition submitted by some members of the party.
Attempts to resolve the standoff were unsuccessful. Some senior leaders of the ADC, including the South-South Zonal Vice Chairman, Uguru Usani, and Bassey Ewa, later met with the Commissioner of Police in an effort to address the situation.
The meeting venue for the party members was eventually moved to the residence of Usani, where a large crowd gathered afterward.
Party disowns ‘illegal’ meeting
Speaking to journalists in Calabar on behalf of the state chairman, the party’s vice chairman for the Central Senatorial District, Mcphalane Ejah, described the activities surrounding the planned inauguration as unauthorised and orchestrated by individuals not recognised by the party.
Ejah commended party members across the state for their continued commitment to the growth of the ADC and reaffirmed the party’s dedication to democratic values and people-centred governance.
He said: “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.”
The party also stressed that there is no faction within the ADC in Cross River State, stating that it operates strictly according to its constitution.
According to the leadership, the only recognised structure of the party in the state remains the one led by John Oga.
The party further rejected the planned inauguration of what it described as a so-called Membership Mobilization, Registration and Revalidation Committee for the 18 local government areas, insisting that the committee is unknown and not recognised by the state executive.
What you should know
The African Democratic Congress is one of Nigeria’s opposition political parties and has been involved in various political realignments across states ahead of future elections.
In Cross River State, the party leadership has repeatedly emphasised unity under its recognised state executive led by Dr. John Oga.
The recent dispute over the proposed mobilisation and registration committee highlights internal tensions within the party structure, with the leadership warning against attempts by unauthorised individuals to create parallel structures or take control of party activities.
