By Edem Ekpo, Calabar
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has officially launched its operations in Cross River State with a bold declaration: it is not merely participating but preparing to take over governance come 2027.
The party’s inaugural state meeting, held at the Kolanut Centre, Barracks Road in Calabar, drew a significant crowd of political heavyweights, supporters, and new converts, signaling a major shift in the state’s political landscape. Defectors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and the Obidient Movement announced their alignment with the ADC during the event.
A motion to officially merge these political blocs with ADC was moved by Hon. Bassey Eko Ewa and seconded by Chief Akin Ricketts. Hundreds of attendees gave unanimous approval with a resounding “yes.”
Prominent figures introduced at the event include Dr. Ambassador John Ogar as the State Chairman; Usani Uguru Usani, former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, as the South-South Zonal Vice Chairman; and Jackie Wayas, daughter of the late Senate President Joseph Wayas, as the party’s National Deputy Publicity Secretary.
Former Governor Liyel Imoke, a key figure in the coalition, emphasized that the ADC is a grassroots-driven party determined to restore true democratic values. “This is not just a political gathering; it is a movement to return power to the people,” Imoke declared. “Just as we did in 1999, we are rising again—starting from the streets, the shops, and the wards.”
He tasked leaders and members to immediately establish ward offices across all 196 wards of the state and begin mobilization. “We built a structure from nothing back then, and we can do it again. Every person here must become a coordinator in their community,” he charged.
Senator Gershom Bassey lent his voice to the momentum, stating: “This is not child’s play. We are making a deliberate choice to organize and speak with one voice. We’ve done it before; we can do it again.”
Dr. Usani Uguru Usani, who once contested against Imoke, echoed the spirit of reconciliation and shared commitment. “Those political battles are behind us. Today, we come together not as rivals but as patriots seeking a better Cross River. We must build a coalition that resists imposition and promotes fairness,” he said.
Jackie Wayas praised the ADC for promoting youth and gender inclusion. “This is a win-win platform for women and the youth. ADC is committed to ensuring at least 35% representation for women in leadership by 2027.”
Also speaking, Chief Ugba Murphy, a seasoned political actor and member of the Obidient Movement, emphasized the importance of unity and trust. “We’ve passed through PDP, LP, APC. Now, we’re in ADC because we believe in rebuilding Nigeria. Let us build trust and let bygones be bygones.”
Other notable contributions came from Dr. Linda Bassey, who encouraged women to assert their political presence, and Chief Helen Boco, who described the movement as a revolutionary step toward nation-building.
The newly appointed state chairman, Dr. John Ogar, described the gathering as a reunion of like minds committed to building a just society. “We are back to the rhythm of progress. This unity gives us the power to break the chains of political backwardness,” he said.
Also present were former commissioners, legislators, and council chairmen including Ntufam Ekpo Okon, Bassey Ntete Duke, Akin Ricketts, Eko Atu, and other key political influencers aligned with Imoke, Gershom Bassey, and Bassey Ewa.
As the political temperature rises ahead of 2027, ADC’s entry into the Cross River political theatre with such high-profile backing could signal a major realignment of power and a fresh challenge to the dominance of APC and PDP in the state.