BREAKING: IPAC Chairman Effiom Edet Impeached Over Alleged Financial Misconduct, Fredrick Omari Emerges

The Cross River State chapter of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has impeached its chairman, Effiom Edet, over allegations of gross financial misconduct, high-handedness, incompetence, abuse of office and lack of accountability.

Edet was removed from office during a meeting held at the IPAC state secretariat, where 16 state chairmen were reportedly present and voted in favour of his removal.

According to the members, the decision followed longstanding concerns over Edet’s leadership style, which they alleged was characterised by secrecy, unilateral decision-making and a lack of consultation with other political party chairmen.

The members also raised concerns over an alleged decision by Edet to endorse what they described as exorbitant fees for opposition political parties seeking to paste campaign banners and posters ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The allegation reportedly followed a recent meeting between Edet and officials of the Cross River State Signage and Advertisement Regulatory Agency (CRISSA).

Another major issue cited by the members was the alleged failure to account for ₦84 million said to have been released by the Cross River State Government and other partners for voter sensitisation programmes.

The IPAC members further alleged that Edet had previously faced impeachment over similar issues about two years ago during his first tenure, but was reinstated following the intervention of some stakeholders.

They accused him of repeatedly taking decisions without following due process or consulting other members of the council.

Following his removal, Comrade Fredrick Omari, the Cross River State Chairman of the Young Progressives Party (YPP), was appointed as the new chairman of the council.

Prince Victory Okoi, the state chairman of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), was also appointed secretary.

The new leadership has pledged to work with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and other relevant stakeholders to promote peaceful and credible elections in Cross River State ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The resolution was copied to the National Chairman of IPAC, the Cross River State office of INEC, the Commissioner of Police, the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

Efforts to obtain a response from Effiom Edet regarding the allegations and his reported impeachment would be necessary to provide his side of the story.