CRS: ADC disavows Ogar’s statement, says expelled member has no mandate to speak on behalf of party

CRS: ADC disavows Ogar’s statement, says expelled member has no mandate to speak on behalf of party

From leading journalists

Calabar (Core Reporters) – The African Democratic Congress (ADC), Cross River State chapter, has disavowed a purported statement made by Dr. John Ogar, in which he said he had no authority to speak or act on behalf of the party following his alleged expulsion of its members.

The party, in a statement signed by its Secretary of State, Interim Committee, Asuquo Essien Ekpo, said Ogar was “long ago expelled” from the ADC and therefore had no legitimate mandate to represent the party or make statements on its behalf.

According to the party, Ogar’s alleged statement should be considered a personal publication and not an official communication from the ADC.

The Cross River ADC leadership was reacting to issues raised by Ogar regarding the legitimacy of the party’s candidates, its organizational structure and relations with the Independent National Electoral Commission 9 (INEC).

The party argued that such matters are governed by its Constitution and applicable laws of Nigeria, stressing that they cannot be determined by individuals through press releases or social media postings.

It further argued that an expelled member could not continue to present himself as the legitimate representative or spokesperson of the organization from which he had been expelled.

As a result, the ADC urged members of the public to ignore Ogar’s alleged statement, as well as other publications released by individuals it described as lacking the authority to speak on behalf of the party.

The party said it will continue to focus on strengthening its structures, supporting its candidates and fully participating in the democratic process, adding that it will continue to respect the law and allow appropriate institutions to determine matters within their constitutional and statutory jurisdictions.

“The ADC belongs to its legitimate members and duly recognized structures, not to expelled individuals or self-proclaimed factions,” the statement said.

The party also appealed to its members, supporters and the general public to remain calm and focused, assuring them that the official positions of the ADC will continue to be communicated through its duly recognized leadership.