Crisis brews in Cross River NDC as stakeholders seek to oust state chairman

From Aniekan Aniekan, Calabar

A fresh crisis is brewing in the Cross River State chapter of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, as some executives have  passed a vote of no confidence on its State Chairman, Goddie Akpama, over allegations of anti-party activities, financial irregularities and autocratic leadership.

This follows a  communiqué  signed by Deputy State Chairman Sir Mark Ujor; Publicity Secretary Cletus Albert Amawu; Women Leader Lady Adim Henshaw; Legal Adviser Ebaye Akonjom Esq.; and Financial Secretary Ettan Aidam Mark.

The  executives said the decision followed “persistent complaints from party executives, stakeholders and grassroots members.”

They cited unilateral alteration of the State Executive Council list after the congress, imposition of party structures, failure to harmonise ward and LGA structures, and failure to convene SEC meetings since the congress.

The executives also alleged mismanagement of delegates’ funds and party resources, constitution of screening committees without authority, and “infiltration of party structures by individuals of questionable loyalty.”

A major allegation concerns Mr. Akpama’s employment status with the Cross River State Government. The executives said questions remain over whether he continued to receive government salaries until May 2026 despite claims that he had resigned to lead an opposition party.

The communiqué stated that the chairman’s actions had “destroyed party goodwill and electoral chances to suit his paymasters’ orchestrated design.”

“Silence in the face of these concerns would amount to a dereliction of duty and a betrayal of the confidence reposed in us by party members across the state,” the executives said.

They called on the National Working Committee to constitute an independent investigative panel to examine all allegations. They also demanded restoration of the original SEC structure, verification of all executive members, and an end to “divisive leadership practices.”

Reaffirming loyalty to the party, they said: “The future of the Nigeria Democratic Congress in Cross River State must not be jeopardised by internal disputes, personal interests or unconstitutional practices.”

However, Goddie Akpama, said there are plots to weaken the voice of opposition in the State.

He denied serving as a mole within the NDC in the state and also insisted that he duly resigned from the present administration in the state.