By Onwa Ekor
The African Democratic Congress, ADC, in Cross River has disowned the list of candidates published by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, describing those named as imposters with no mandate of the party.
In a statement signed by the State Chairman, Dr. John Ogar, the party said the individuals on the list emerged from what it called illegal congresses and an unconstitutional convention.
“The individuals listed for Cross River do not represent our party. They are imposters belonging to a rogue faction whose actions fundamentally contradict the principles and values the ADC stands for,” the statement said.
According to the leadership, both the High Court and the Court of Appeal have nullified the processes that produced the disputed candidates and awarded costs against the faction.
Rather than pursue reconciliation, Ogar alleged, the faction filed for a stay of execution at the Court of Appeal and has been seeking adjournments to delay hearing, while withholding information from the “Legacy ADC.”
He traced the crisis to a breach of the 30/70 percent integration agreement and the imposition of what he described as “an unelected Caretaker Committee system” in violation of the ADC Constitution, the Electoral Act 2022, and the 1999 Constitution.
Ogar said the matter has been taken to the Supreme Court to “rescue the democratic process and protect innocent citizens who may have been misled.”
He further alleged that the faction may be working with external interests to frustrate opposition politics in the state.
The chairman warned members of the public and party supporters against dealing with the group.
Citing the party constitution, the Electoral Act, the Constitution and subsisting court judgments, he said the “David Mark-led group” lacks the legal authority to submit candidates to INEC for the 2026 general elections.
“We promised the people of Cross River that we would fight political impunity, and we remain fully committed to that promise,” Ogar added.
The ADC expressed confidence that INEC will comply with existing court judgments and the anticipated decision of the Supreme Court.
