Political Turmoil in Cross River as ADC Alleges Hostile Takeover Attempt by Rival PDP Faction

ADC leadership in Cross River accuses PDP members of attempting to seize party control, leading to a police intervention in Calabar amid rising tensions.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 11, 2026, 5:34 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from LEADERSHIP

Allegations of Unconstitutional Interference

The Cross River State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has formally denounced what it describes as a strategic attempt by external actors to compromise its internal governance. During a press briefing held in Calabar, the party’s Vice Chairman for the Central Senatorial District, McFarlane Ejah, asserted that individuals currently affiliated with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are orchestrating unauthorized meetings under the ADC banner. Ejah characterized these actions as democratically unacceptable and a direct violation of the party’s established constitutional framework.

Unauthorized Mobilization and Membership Registration

Central to the dispute is the alleged formation of a rogue committee tasked with mobilizing and registering new members across the 18 local government areas of Cross River. According to the ADC leadership, this committee was established without official authorization or the involvement of the state executive. Ejah emphasized that the names published as part of this mobilization effort are entirely alien to the recognized party structure. This move is seen by the current leadership as a calculated effort to dilute the influence of legitimate party officers through an influx of unverified members.

Escalation and Law Enforcement Intervention

The friction between the established ADC leadership and the challenging group reached a tipping point in Calabar, resulting in a physical clash that required a swift response from security agencies. The Cross River State Police Command has confirmed its intervention to restore order. Police Public Relations Officer Sunday Eitokpah issued a statement advising the residents of Calabar to remain calm, assuring the public that the situation has been brought under control. The police presence remains a deterrent against further volatility between the warring political factions.