2027 Coalition: Former Cross River Governor, Imoke set to lead ADC as Interim Chairman 

2027 Coalition: Former Cross River Governor, Imoke set to lead ADC as Interim Chairman

 

 

Former Governor of Cross River State, Mr. Liyel Imoke, is set to assume the role of Interim National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), according to insider sources within a burgeoning political coalition.

 

The development comes as the coalition finalizes preparations to unveil a newly restructured political platform in the wake of the Eid-el-Kabir festivities.

 

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Saturday Telegraph has reliably gathered that promoters of the new coalition—which seeks to reposition the ADC as a credible alternative ahead of the 2027 general elections—have settled on Imoke as a strategic choice for the party’s interim leadership.

 

Multiple sources familiar with internal deliberations confirmed that while Senator David Mark was initially considered for the chairmanship, his advanced age and desire to step back from frontline politics prompted the shift to Imoke.

 

“Senator Mark has played a key role behind the scenes but declined the leadership offer. Imoke emerged as the next logical choice,” a coalition member disclosed in a telephone conversation.

Though Imoke’s selection initially sparked unease among certain stakeholders—mainly over his perceived proximity to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar—sources say those concerns have been addressed, with assurances that the appointment is strictly interim.

 

“Yes, there was some resistance because of his closeness to Atiku, but the consensus now is that he will serve only in an interim capacity. That has helped to calm tensions,” a source clarified.

 

Meanwhile, top coalition leaders have reportedly relocated to Saudi Arabia, where they are currently performing the annual Hajj pilgrimage. Beyond spiritual commitments, the trip is also being used as an opportunity to finalize key aspects of the party’s formal unveiling.

 

“Many of our Muslim leaders are in Saudi Arabia at the moment. They are using the time to tie up logistical and strategic ends before the party’s public launch,” one source said, adding that the announcement is expected “anytime after Sallah.”

 

While specifics regarding the venue of the launch remain closely guarded, insiders affirm that all is set for the new ADC platform to make its debut shortly after the Eid celebration.

 

When asked whether the coalition had selected a presidential candidate to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027, sources emphasized that all aspirants, including presidential hopefuls, would be subjected to party primaries. “There will be no anointed candidate. Everyone will compete on equal footing,” the source asserted.