The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Cross River has rejected claims that the All Progressives Congress (APC) played any role in the party’s recent internal disputes in the state.
The statement was made on Tuesday by Dr. John Ogar, ADC State Chairman, during a press briefing in Calabar, following an altercation involving some alleged party members who attempted to hold an unsanctioned event.
Represented by Dr. McFarlane Ejah, Vice-Chairman of ADC in the Central Senatorial District, Ogar insisted the ruling APC had no involvement in the incident.
He affirmed that ADC remains committed to people-centred policies, democratic principles, and strict adherence to its constitution.
Ogar emphasised that ADC in Cross River operates under a single recognised leadership.
“Any individual attempting to organise meetings in the party’s name without authorisation undermines unity and is unacceptable,” he said.
The briefing was prompted by a planned inauguration of a Membership Mobilisation, Registration, and Revalidation (MMR) committee by unknown individuals, whose committee composition was neither submitted to nor approved by the state leadership.
“This move appears to be an attempt to hijack the party for personal interests,” Ogar stated.
A formal complaint was submitted to the Commissioner of Police, who held discussions with the organisers and party representatives.
Despite these discussions, the unauthorised group reportedly tried to proceed with their meeting at Ascot Event Centre in Calabar.
Ogar stressed that the leadership intervened to prevent the meeting because ADC abhors violence and prioritises peaceful political engagement.
He challenged the individuals behind the move to clearly declare their intentions.
The chairman added that the party previously established a fusion and engagement committee to integrate groups interested in joining ADC.
While some cooperated harmoniously, others—mainly dissident members from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)—refused to follow the constitutional registration process, which begins at the ward level.
“Former Governor Donald Duke, for example, complied fully with our registration guidelines at his ward,” Ogar said, underscoring the importance of following proper procedures.
The ADC leadership reiterated its commitment to maintaining internal order and transparent processes while ensuring the party remains unified and focused on its development agenda.
