By Asuquo Cletus
The African Democratic Congress in Cross River State has accused a bloc of members from the Peoples Democratic Party of attempting to hijack the structure of the party in the state.
The allegation was made on Tuesday during a press briefing at the Ernest Baseey Press Center in Calabar by the party’s Vice Chairman for the Central Senatorial District, McFarlane Ejah, who represented the state chairman, John Oga, said to be away in Abuja attending to national matters.
Ejah alleged that some individuals who are not recognised members of the party were planning to inaugurate a Membership Mobilisation, Registration and Revalidation committee across the 18 local government areas of the state without the approval of the party leadership.
He described the move as unconstitutional and an affront to the existing leadership structure of the party.
“We condemn in strong terms the actions of individuals who are not members of our party but are attempting to hold meetings in our name. This is morally wrong and democratically unacceptable,” Ejah said.
According to him, the state leadership of the party was neither consulted nor involved in the composition of the alleged committee.
“The composition of the purported committee is alien to the leadership of ADC in Cross River State. The state leadership was not involved in submitting the names published as members of the committee,” he added.
Ejah further alleged that the group behind the move was largely made up of dissatisfied members of the Peoples Democratic Party, noting that other groups that had engaged with the party’s fusion and engagement committee had worked harmoniously with the leadership.
Ejah insisted that the party in the state remained united and had no faction, stressing that the only recognised leadership was that headed by the state chairman.
He also warned that the party would resist any attempt by individuals or groups to hijack its structure for personal political interests.
“Our party stands for justice and people-centred development. We will continue to uphold the will of the people and ensure that politics is practised with decorum,” he said, adding that the party was preparing to field candidates in future elections.
The development came amid tension in Calabar on Tuesday following reports of a clash between two factions of the African Democratic Congress, which prompted security intervention.
Sources said the situation led to the Nigeria Police Force blocking the entrance to a venue where one of the groups had planned to hold a meeting at about 10 a.m.
The incident initially sparked speculation on social media that the ruling party might have been behind the disruption, especially in light of recent political tensions in Ogoja.
However, a police source dismissed the claim, describing the development as an internal disagreement within the party.
According to the source, personnel of the police command were deployed to the area to maintain peace and prevent any breakdown of law and order.
“At the moment, the two factions of the party are currently before the Commissioner of Police for an interview and dialogue aimed at resolving the issues and maintaining calm,” the source said.
Confirming the development, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Cross River State Command, Sunday Eitokpah, advised members of the public to remain calm.
“Members of the public are advised to remain calm and go about their lawful activities, as the situation is under control,” he said.
