SDP, YPP, Three Other Political Parties Disown IPAC’s Endorsement of Cross River Governor Otu

SDP, YPP, Three Other Political Parties Disown IPAC’s Endorsement of Cross River Governor Otu

 

Five political parties in Cross River State have publicly dissociated themselves from the recent endorsement of Governor Bassey Otu and the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration by the state chapter of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC).

 

In a sharp rebuke of the endorsement, the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Young Progressives Party (YPP), Accord Party, Allied People’s Movement (APM), and Boot Party declared they were not consulted and have no part in the decision, which was presented by IPAC as a unified stance.

 

In separate petitions submitted to the National Chairman of IPAC and made available to journalists in Calabar, the SDP and YPP demanded the immediate dissolution of the Cross River State IPAC chapter, accusing its leadership of violating the council’s founding principles.

Dr. Ekpenyong E. Ambo, State Chairman of the SDP, in a petition dated May 16, 2025, criticized the IPAC State Chairman, Engr. Edet Effiom, for allegedly breaching the organization’s Code of Conduct.

 

“The unilateral decision to endorse a political party without consultation or mandate from all members undermines IPAC’s principles and erodes trust among its members,” Dr. Ambo stated.

 

He further accused the current IPAC leadership of misusing the platform for personal political interests and undermining the organization’s credibility.

 

Also speaking, Comrade Anthony Bissong, Chairman of the YPP in Cross River, described the endorsement as “preposterous, undemocratic, and ill-intentioned.”

 

He called on IPAC’s national leadership to dissolve the state executive council, arguing that such actions risk turning the advisory council into a political tool rather than a platform for dialogue and cooperation.

 

Both parties argue that the recent endorsement compromises IPAC’s mission and urge immediate intervention from the national body to restore integrity and neutrality.

 

In response, Engr. Edet Effiom defended the endorsement, insisting it was a collective decision made by the majority of registered political parties in the state.

 

“Out of 18 parties, only two opposed the motion,” Effiom stated. “We operate democratically, and the majority decision stands. The petitions are their right, but it is up to the national body to review them.”