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Security officials in Calabar, Cross River State, on Monday cordoned off the scheduled venue for the inauguration of the Membership Registration, Mobilization and Revalidation Committee set up by the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The police action comes amid internal strife within the party, as its leadership insists that there are attempts by individuals outside its recognized structures to take control of the party’s state branch.
ADC had previously established a Membership Mobilization, Registration and Revalidation Committee led by Eko Alobo, and its inauguration was planned to be held at the event center along Jalan Marian.
However, eyewitnesses said that at around 7am, heavily armed mobile police had surrounded the location, preventing party members and invited guests from accessing the location.
A source familiar with the development claimed that the deployment was based on instructions issued following a petition reportedly filed by some party members.
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Efforts to resolve the impasse proved unsuccessful, despite efforts by senior party figures including ADC South-South Zone Deputy Chairman, Uguru Usani, and Bassey Ewa, who met with the state Commissioner of Police in an attempt to defuse the situation.
After the conclusion, organizers moved the event to Usani’s residence, where supporters and party members gathered in large numbers.
Party distances itself from ‘unauthorized’ activities
Speaking to journalists in Calabar on behalf of the state chairman, John Oga, the Party Deputy Chairman for Central Senatorial District, Mcphalane Ejah, described the inauguration plan as an illegitimate initiative allegedly pushed by individuals not recognized by the party leadership.
Ejah commended party supporters across the state for their loyalty and reiterated ADC’s commitment to the values of democracy and development driven by the interests of citizens.
He said: “As an opposition party, ADC in Cross River State is committed to people-centred development, putting the interests of the people first.
“We believe that the will of the people must prevail and be respected. We reject impunity and coercion and will not tolerate actions or attitudes that undermine the democratic will of the people.”
The party leadership stated that the ADC in Cross River State remains united and operates strictly in accordance with its constitution, stressing that the only recognized state leadership is led by Oga.
They also rejected the proposed inauguration of what they described as a Membership Mobilization, Registration and Validation Committee covering 18 local government areas in the state, and insisted that the body was not authorized or recognized by the state executive.
