The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Cross River State has disowned the list of candidates published by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), describing those named as imposters with no mandate of the party. The state chairman of the party, Dr John Ogar, who made the position of the party known in a statement made […]
The state chairman of the party, Dr John Ogar, who made the position of the party known in a statement made available to journalists in Calabar at the weekend, alleged that the individuals on the list emerged from what he called illegal congresses and an unconstitutional convention.
“The individuals listed for Cross River do not represent our party. They are imposters belonging to a rogue faction whose actions fundamentally contradict the principles and values the ADC stands for,” Dr Ogar alleged..
According to the statement, both the High Court and the Court of Appeal had nullified the processes that produced the disputed candidates and awarded costs against the faction.
He further alleged that rather than pursue reconciliation, the faction filed for a stay of execution at the Court of Appeal and has been seeking adjournments to delay hearing, while withholding information from the “Legacy ADC.”
The chairman traced the crisis to a breach of the 30/70 percent integration agreement and the imposition of what he described as “an unelected Caretaker Committee system” in violation of the ADC Constitution, the Electoral Act 2022, and the 1999 Constitution.
Dr Ogar explained that the matter has been taken to the Supreme Court to “rescue the democratic process and protect innocent citizens who may have been misled.”
He further alleged that the faction may be working with external interests to frustrate opposition politics in the state.
The chairman warned members of the public and party supporters against dealing with the group.
Citing the party’s constitution, the Electoral Act, the constitution and subsisting court judgments, he alleged that the “David Mark-led group” lacks the legal authority to submit candidates to INEC for the 2026 general elections.
“We promised the people of Cross River that we will fight political impunity, and we remain fully committed to that promise,” Dr Ogar added.
The ADC expressed confidence that INEC would comply with subsisting court judgments and the anticipated decision of the Supreme Court.
BAYELSA APC PROMISES WOMEN GROUP INCLUSION, COLLABORATION
The Bayelsa State chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon Warman Ogoriba, has expressed the party’s readiness to collaborate with the state chapter of the Business Women of Influence for Renewed Hope Agenda (BWIRHA) in the area of inclusivity and the promotion of the ideals of the association which are in tandem with the policies and programmes of the Federal Government.
Hon Ogoriba stated this when the state and the local government areas executives led by Comrade Peace Fekumo Sinclair paid Him a courtesy visit at the APC secretariat in Yenagoa.
Describing the APC as one big indivisible family that is always ready to accommodate people and associations that resonates with the policies of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, as well as acknowledging the vital role of women in politics, the chairman expressed confidence in the capabilities of the group to deliver APC in the state in the next general election.
Hon Ogoriba described the group as exceptional in its vision, mission and purpose, urging them to stay focused to the promotion of the goals of the association, just as he advised them to ensure they have their PVCs and APC membership cards ahead of the elections.
Earlier, the state coordinator of the Business Women for Renewed Hope Agenda, Comrade Peace Fekumo Sinclair, said the reason for the visit was to formally introduce the association to the state leadership of the APC, adding that the membership of the association cut across all walks of life in the thirty-six states of the Federation.
She explained that the state chapter of the association, with a membership of over five thousand women, is into community development, grassroots mobilization among others across all the local government areas in Bayelsa State.
She sought the recognition and integration of the association into the APC Women structures in the state, noting that the association was fully poised to give necessary support and help the APC achieve victory in the forth coming elections.
The highpoint of the visit was the promise by the state party chairman to attend to the demands of the association, which he demonstrated with the express approval of the use of the party secretariat hall by the association for their meetings.
