Political earthquake hits Cross River as APC, PDP, LP Members Unite behind New Coalition Party

Political earthquake hits Cross River as APC, PDP, LP Members Unite behind New Coalition Party

 

.... Akin Ricketts Emerges Interim Chairman

… Governor Otu Second Term Threatened 

….Cross River Lawmakers Split

A major political realignment is underway in Cross River State, as key figures from the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the Labour Party (LP) finalize plans to converge under a new political platform, the All Democratic Alliance (ADA).

 

This development marks a significant shift in the state’s political dynamics ahead of the 2027 general elections.

 

The ADA, which is being championed by the Nigeria Coalition Group—a body comprising top national political figures such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Rotimi Amaechi, Nasir El-Rufai, and former Senate President David Mark—is currently awaiting formal registration by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

 

Tinubu Was Part of Those Who Supported Babangida’s June 12 Annulment —Lamido

 

Official documents filed with the commission on June 19 (reference number ADA/HQ/INEC/001/V.1) identify the party’s motto as “Justice for All.”

 

Cross River-Born Akin Ricketts Appointed ADA Interim National Chairman

 

Leading the party’s interim structure is Chief Akin Ricketts, a respected technocrat and political strategist from Cross River, who has been appointed Interim National Chairman. Ricketts, known for his close ties to former Governor Liyel Imoke and ex-Minister Rotimi Amaechi, was recently spotted at the Margate Ekpo International Airport returning from high-level strategy sessions in Abuja. He is joined by Abdullahi Musa Elayo, who will serve as the party’s Interim National Secretary.

 

Cross River Political Heavyweights Unite Behind Coalition

 

Inside sources reveal that the formation of ADA is attracting high-profile support across party lines. Notable Cross River political figures including Senators Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe and Gershom Bassey, Bassey Ewa, Ekpo Okon, Effiom Cobham, Chief Ogban Ebook, Chief Sam Bassey, Ntufam Eta Mbora, and Hon. Essien Ayi are reportedly poised to join the coalition once INEC registration is confirmed.

 

Governor Otu Second Term Threatened 

Further fueling momentum is the quiet but growing defection of disillusioned party members from both the PDP and APC. Many are reportedly disgruntled with Governor Bassey Otu’s administration, accusing it of sidelining loyalists and consolidating power in a way that undermines internal party democracy.

 

Sources within the PDP executive also confirm that key operatives are already engaged in negotiations with ADA to secure strategic leadership roles.

 

Cross River Lawmakers Split

The political dissatisfaction has also spilled into legislative circles. Lawmakers in both the National Assembly and the Cross River State House of Assembly, particularly from the APC, are said to be re-evaluating their allegiances. A sitting legislator, speaking anonymously, expressed frustration over exclusion from party affairs, stating, “Despite our sacrifices for the APC in 2023, we’ve been treated like political outcasts.”

 

Observers say the emergence of ADA could dramatically alter the state’s political landscape, especially with many incumbents facing uncertain futures regarding 2027 re-election bids.

 

With the potential to unify a broad spectrum of political forces under one umbrella, the All Democratic Alliance appears poised to become a formidable player—not just in Cross River, but in Nigeria’s national politics. As the countdown to 2027 begins, the state may be on the verge of a historic political shake-up.