ADC Train Lands in Calabar, Vows to Take Over Cross River in 2027

ADC Train Lands in Calabar, Vows to Take Over Cross River in 2027

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has officially launched its political movement in Cross River State, signaling its determination to take over governance in 2027.

The party’s inaugural state meeting held Thursday at Kolanut Centre, Barracks Road, Calabar, drew a massive crowd and key political figures from across the state’s political landscape.

In a dramatic show of strength, members of a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by former Governor Liyel Imoke, the Labour Party (LP), and the Obedient Movement defected to the ADC. The motion to join forces with ADC was moved by Hon. Bassey Eko Ewa and seconded by Chief Akin Ricketts, receiving a unanimous “yes” from hundreds of attendees.

Former Governor Imoke, speaking at the event, declared that the ADC’s arrival in Cross River signals a fresh beginning for people-centered governance.

Imoke said:

“This party is about the people. So take it back to them,” Imoke charged. “We are starting another movement at the state and national levels. We have the capacity and the people to rescue this state and nation.”

He emphasized grassroots mobilization and urged members to establish ward offices in all 196 wards of the state. “Everyone is now a coordinator. Go back, register members, and open offices in your streets and communities. This is how to take back our state.”

The former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Dr. Usani Uguru Usani, was introduced as the party’s National Vice Chairman (South-South), with Dr. Ambassador John Ogar emerging as the state chairman, and Jackie Wayas, daughter of former Senate President Joseph Wayas, appointed as National Deputy Publicity Secretary.

Senator Gershom Bassey, who also addressed the crowd, dismissed suggestions that the ADC movement was unserious.

Gershom Bassey said:

“This is not a child’s play,” he said. “We are exercising our democratic rights. We’ve done this before, and we can do it again.”

Dr. Usani echoed this sentiment, reflecting on past political rivalries and calling for unity: “I once took Imoke to the Supreme Court, but today I sit with him to build a future for our people. This coalition is real, and we must remain committed and courageous.”

Jackie Wayas praised the ADC’s inclusive approach, saying, “This is a win-win for the youth and women. The ADC is promising 35 percent inclusion for women. 2027 is a date with history.”

Other speakers included Chief Ugba Murphy of the Obedient Movement, Dr. Linda Bassey, and Chief Mrs. Helen Boco, who all stressed unity, youth inclusion, and the urgency of political transformation in Cross River.

“We built the Labour Party in a few months and won,” said Murphy. “We can do it again with ADC.”

Ntufam Ekpo Okon, a former commissioner and NDDC representative, warned against complacency: “We are endangered. Let us rise and protect our common heritage.”

The event also had in attendance several political heavyweights including Bassey Ntete Duke, Akin Ricketts, Eko Atu, and several former lawmakers, council chairmen, and close allies of Imoke, Bassey Ewa, and Gershom Bassey.