The leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Cross River State has taken another turn, with factional chairman John Ogar rejecting the governorship candidate listed for the party by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
INEC recently listed former Nigerian Ambassador to Ethiopia, Mrs Nkoyo Toyo, as the ADC governorship candidate for the 2027 Cross River State election. But Ogar, who leads the faction known as the Legacy ADC, described Toyo as an “imposter” and alleged that her emergence was linked to a rival faction within the party.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Ogar alleged that Toyo belongs to what he described as a “rogue faction” whose actions, according to him, contradict the principles and values of the ADC.
He also claimed that the controversy was rooted in parallel primary elections and competing claims to the legitimate leadership of the party, matters which he said had already been considered by the courts.
According to Ogar, both the High Court and the Court of Appeal had annulled the disputed exercises and awarded substantial costs against the faction he opposed.
He further alleged that the rival faction subsequently pursued a stay of execution at the Court of Appeal and had repeatedly sought adjournments, claiming that the existence of the application was not properly disclosed to his faction.
The dispute has also produced competing governorship candidates. Ogar's faction has backed Dr Effiong Nyong as its candidate, while INEC's current listing identifies Toyo as the ADC candidate.
Nyong said the Legacy group had relied on what it described as judicial victories at both the High Court and Court of Appeal and had taken the matter further to the Supreme Court. He expressed optimism that the apex court would resolve the dispute.
However, the Toyo camp has rejected the allegation that it secretly obtained or concealed a stay of execution, saying it would not be distracted by the dispute.
The development leaves ADC's 2027 governorship ticket in Cross River facing a major legal and political test, with competing factions laying claim to the legitimate structure of the party and the right to present its candidate for the election.
For now, the controversy remains unresolved, with the courts expected to play a decisive role in determining which faction and candidate ultimately have legal standing to represent the ADC in the 2027 Cross River governorship election.
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