By Adesakin Adefemi
The Cross River State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has rejected the party’s interim caretaker committee, citing it as unconstitutional and a threat to the party’s survival in the 2027 general elections.
Dr. MacFarlane Ejah, the party’s State Vice Chairman (Central) and Director of Policy and Strategy, stated that the interim leadership violated the ADC constitution, which doesn’t recognize caretaker or interim arrangements. He emphasized that all party officials must emerge through duly conducted congresses.
Ejah warned that the Cross River chapter wouldn’t accept the interim structure, adding that any congresses or candidates produced under it could be nullified by the courts. The crisis stems from a controversial meeting held on July 29, 2025, at Chelsea Hotel, Abuja, where the National Executive Committee was allegedly dissolved and replaced with an interim leadership.
He described the action as a breach of the party’s 2018 constitution and the Electoral Act. Ejah has petitioned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to challenge the legitimacy of the interim body and stop planned congresses scheduled for April 7 to 14, 2026.
Ejah gave INEC seven days to act, failing which the chapter would approach the High Court. He dismissed claims of factionalism, insisting the matter was strictly about legality and constitutional order.
The state chapter remains committed to internal democracy and self-reliance, aiming to preserve the integrity of the ADC and avoid legal battles that could undermine its electoral prospects in 2027.
ADC is facing challenges ahead of the 2027 general elections, with concerns about its ability to field INEC-recognized candidates.
The party’s crisis is unfolding amidst other political developments, including allegations of APC planning to sponsor protests against David Mark.
