ADC coalition unites political heavyweights In Cross River ahead 2027

 

In what can best be described as a defining moment for opposition politics in Cross River, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Wednesday, July 31, 2025, convened a groundbreaking Stakeholders’ Strategic Meeting in Calabar.

The event, which drew over 500 political stakeholders from across the 18 local government areas of the state, was a strong statement of intent by the party to reposition itself as a viable political alternative and to reengineer leadership ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Held in a packed and purpose-driven hall, the strategic gathering showcased a rare show of unity and political reinvention, with a broad spectrum of participants ranging from political veterans and grassroots mobilizers to intellectual leaders and youth advocates.

The meeting, spearheaded by former Governor, Senator Liyel Imoke, laid out an ambitious roadmap to register one million voters, activate grassroots structures across all 196 wards by August, and position the ADC as the dominant opposition force ahead of 2027.

Imoke declared the movement a “youth-led revolution,” citing the appointment of young leader Ms. Jacky Wayas into ADC’s national leadership as proof of its empowerment agenda.

The coalition gained immediate momentum as PDP’s Sen. Gershom Bassey and Labour Party’s Dr. Ntete Bassey Duke endorsed the ADC, while ex-Minister Usani Uguru Usani (new ADC National Vice Chairman) pledged to mobilize support.

A defining moment came when PDP’s Rt. Hon. Bassey Eko Ewa moved a motion—unanimously adopted—to formally adopt ADC as Cross River’s coalition platform, backed by All Democratic Alliance (ADA) Chairman Chief Akin Rickett.

From the national leadership of the ADC, Pastor Usani Uguru Usani, a respected member of the party’s National Executive Committee, reiterated the ADC’s unwavering commitment to democratic principles and people-centered development.

Representing the academic and youth bloc, Dr. Joe Edet, Deputy Vice Chancellor of Arthur Jarvis University, delivered remarks on youth inclusion and intellectual rigor in political engagement. Joining virtually was Mr. Austin Ibok, a key figure in the state coalition, whose contributions added depth to the day’s deliberations.

Other notable participants included Ntufam Ekpo Okon, former PDP State Chairman and 2023 Senatorial Candidate, whose presence exemplified the coalition’s capacity to attract cross-party interest; Barr. Edem Ekong, leader of the Akpabuyo coalition, and Edidemabasi Efiom Asuquo, Akpabuyo Chapter Coordinator, both of whom addressed grassroots mobilization and community-driven leadership.

The presence of all 18 Chapter Coordinators across the state underscored the depth and organizational reach of the ADC coalition.

Strategy sessions during the event focused on pivotal political themes such as: Strengthening intra-party cohesion and coalition synergy, Reorienting the political mindset of citizens towards issue-based participation, enhancing electoral preparedness and transparency, promoting intergenerational leadership transition, and mainstreaming gender equity in political participation.

At the end of the session, key resolutions were adopted, including: Expanding the ADC’s institutional presence and operations across all LGAs, deepening cross-party dialogues to widen coalition appeal, launching voter education and civic enlightenment initiatives, mobilizing youth and women as active political actors,

With the 2027 elections in view, the ADC’s strategic meeting has set the stage for a reinvigorated political force in the state. As the coalition gains traction, political observers believe Cross River may be on the brink of a transformative shift in leadership and governance.

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