By Asuquo Cletus
The Cross River South Consultative Forum (CRSCF) has accused the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and its affiliate group, the ATAM Congress, of promoting ethnic politics in the state ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
The forum, in a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by its chairman, Eyo Nsa Ekpo, condemned what it described as a “divisive ethnic agenda” by the opposition coalition, which it claimed was a ploy to undermine the leadership of Governor Bassey Otu.
According to the CRSCF, the ADC coalition and its ATAM Congress wing were not motivated by genuine reforms or democratic ideals, but by “personal ambition and regional prejudice.”
“The so-called ATAM Congress is nothing more than a facade to destabilise Cross River’s unity and to pit the North and Central senatorial districts against the South,” the forum alleged.
The group also took a swipe at prominent opposition leaders, including former governor Liyel Imoke and former minister Usani Usani, accusing them of plotting to seize power from the South despite Otu’s “sterling performance” in office.
The forum further recalled past controversies, including the alleged disappearance of a Cross River State aircraft during Imoke’s tenure and what it described as his “complacency” in the loss of the state’s oil wells.
> “Is this the same Imoke who has returned for more, because nothing happened the last time? The people of Cross River are wiser today,” the statement added.
The CRSCF praised Governor Otu for what it called “unprecedented progress” in infrastructure, tourism, and youth empowerment, citing ongoing investments in the Calabar Port, Tinapa, Obudu Cattle Ranch, and job creation initiatives.
It challenged the ADC to present a policy alternative, insisting that opposition leaders had “no blueprint to rival Otu’s achievements.”
> “The coalition is filled with recycled politicians who contributed to the very problems they now claim to oppose,” the forum declared.
While calling on Cross Riverians across the three senatorial districts to reject ethnic-based politics, the forum reaffirmed its support for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and Governor Otu’s administration.
“The people of Cross River will stand by Governor Otu in 2027 and beyond,” it concluded.
