By BANNERNEWS Reporter
Former governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Cross River State, Dr Effiong Nyong, has urged the party’s national leadership to urgently “rescue itself” from what he described as the clutches of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) politicians allegedly hijacking its structure and ideals.
Nyong made the call in a letter addressed to the ADC National Chairman, in response to a communication signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, titled “Composition of the ADC 50 Wise Men and Women Policy Manifesto Committee.”
He faulted the inclusion of some individuals listed as leaders of the ADC in Cross River State, insisting that those recognised by the party’s national headquarters were neither members of the ADC nor had they resigned their membership of the PDP.
“If in truth the ADC is out to rescue Cross River State and Nigeria, then it must first rescue itself from the clutches and shackles of these impostors,” Nyong said, accusing the individuals of seeking to use the ADC platform for “narrow-minded interests” while shutting out genuine members.
He specifically denounced the inclusion of Senator Gershom Bassey and Ambassador Nkoyo Toyo, both of the PDP, among those listed for the committee, stressing that neither was a registered member of the ADC in the state.
According to him, the politicians “have never identified with the ADC in Cross River State,” adding that they do not possess ADC membership cards, are unknown in any ward or chapter of the party, and have never contributed financially or otherwise to its activities.
Nyong argued that what was being presented nationally as the ADC structure in Cross River State was “simply a faction of the PDP that has transfigured into the ADC,” describing the development as a pattern of impunity within a coalition of multiple blocs.
He recalled that during the 2023 general elections, the ADC—then dismissed by critics as “colourless”—collapsed its structures to work with the Obedient Movement, a collaboration that delivered about 72 per cent of the presidential votes in the state.
Nyong lamented that the same ADC and Obedient Movement were now being undermined by a fractured PDP faction that had shared the remaining votes with other parties, including the ruling APC, warning that “never again will the people of Cross River State be taken for a ride.”
He disclosed that several other blocs within the coalition were unhappy with the appointment of non-members, insisting that foundation members who have invested time, effort and personal resources—many of whom have never held public office—should be prioritised for critical roles within the party.
