The internal crisis rocking the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Cross River State has taken another turn, with rival factions disagreeing over the list of candidates published by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The development has created fresh tension within the party, as the two camps are laying claim to the legitimate leadership of the ADC in the state and questioning the validity of the candidates submitted to INEC.
State Chairman, Dr. John Ogar, speaking for one of the factions, rejected the candidates on the INEC list, alleging that they emerged from what he described as “illegal congresses and an unconstitutional convention.”
Ogar reportedly described those listed as candidates as “imposters” and said the matter was already before the Supreme Court. He also accused the opposing faction of operating the party through an unelected caretaker committee and questioned the authority of the David Mark-led national leadership to submit candidates to INEC.
However, ADC governorship candidate, Ambassador Nkoyo Toyo, whose name appears on the INEC list, defended the process, saying the legal issues surrounding the party had gone through the courts and were still subject to appeals.
Toyo said the party remained committed to reconciliation, adding that efforts were already being made to bring the different interests together ahead of the 2027 election.
The latest disagreement adds to the leadership crisis that has continued to trouble the ADC in Cross River, with earlier disputes over control of the party structure also causing tension among competing camps.
With 2027 drawing closer, the factional disagreement could become a major test for the ADC in Cross River, particularly if the competing camps fail to reach a settlement over who has the authority to nominate candidates and control the party structure.
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