The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Cross River State has expressed its disapproval of the party's interim caretaker committee, declaring it inconsistent with the party's governing rules.
The declaration was made by the State Vice Chairman (Central), MacFarlane Ejah, during a press conference held in Calabar on Tuesday.
Mr. Ejah indicated that this situation poses a threat to internal democracy and could jeopardize the party's prospects in the upcoming 2027 general elections.
He accused the caretaker committee of being established during a meeting on July 29, 2025, in Abuja that purportedly dissolved the elected National Executive.
According to him, the new committee incorporated individuals such as David Mark, Rauf Aregbesola, and others into significant leadership roles within the party.
He asserted that the ADC's 2018 Constitution does not permit interim or caretaker leadership configurations at any tier.
Emphasizing the need for adherence to democratic principles, Mr. Ejah mentioned that party officials are required to be elected through formally conducted congresses as outlined in Articles 17 and 18 of the party's constitution.
Furthermore, he noted that the Electoral Act 2026 obliges political parties to conduct their affairs through democratically elected structures.
Mr. Ejah warned that allowing the alleged caretaker leadership to oversee congresses could invalidate candidates for the 2027 elections, labelling such a scenario as a "legal stillbirth" that might undermine the party's electoral success.
He confirmed that the party's state chapter has lodged a petition with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to intervene in the matter.
"The petition aims to prevent the leadership from asserting its authority and to stop the congresses slated to take place from April 7 to April 14," he remarked.
Mr. Ejah called on INEC to ensure adherence to the party's constitution and electoral regulations, providing a seven-day ultimatum for action on the petition.
He warned that if no action is taken, the party would be compelled to seek judicial intervention.
Reiterating the state chapter's dedication to the ADC, he insisted on a reinstatement of constitutional order, stating that maintaining internal democracy is a constitutional obligation, not a mere option.
It is worth noting that following the resignation of Ralph Nwosu, the former National Chairman, in July 2025, the party instituted an interim leadership team to facilitate a rebranding effort ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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