NDC gains ground as ADC loses key members in C’River

From Aniekan Aniekan, Calabar

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) is gaining ground in Cross River ahead of 2027 after a wave of high-profile defections weakened the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the state.

Key ADC members have crossed over to the NDC in recent weeks, citing the need for a stronger platform to mobilise voters and challenge the ruling party.

One of the defectors is Mkpang Coco Bassey, gubernatorial aspirant, who recently joined the NDC. Coco Bassey, a Scottish-born engineer, ran for governor in 2023 under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) before moving to the ADC following the protracted crisis within the PDP.

He described the NDC as a platform that reflects the values of inclusiveness, people-centered leadership and genuine service to Cross Riverians.

Similarly, Obah Tawo, a House of Representatives aspirant for the Obubra-Etung Federal Constituency, has left the ADC for the NDC. Tawo announced his resignation in a letter addressed to the Cross River State Chairman of the ADC through the Ward Chairman of Bendeghe Ekiem Ward in Etung LGA.

He said he joined the ADC with conviction because of its promise of progressive and people-centred governance.

A former Vice Chairman of Ogoja LGA, Emmanuel Idi Yakubu, also defected to the NDC. Other new entrants include educationist Ray Morphy, Attah Bisong, former Cross River State chairman of the Young Peoples Party and several others.

Meanwhile, Goddie Akpama has been elected chairman of the NDC in Cross River State. Akpama emerged through consensus at a special state congress held recently in Calabar attended by party members and officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Stakeholders have welcomed the growing momentum of the NDC in the state. Dr. Ntete Duke said key figures behind the ADC’s rise had moved to the NDC. He urged them to embrace the ongoing registration and called for inclusiveness as the party prepares for 2027.

Prof. Hannah Etta pledged the support of the Obi/Kwankwaso Movement for the NDC. She said Nigeria is in a difficult situation and the NDC must rise to the task of rescuing the country.

Speculations are rife that more bigwigs are leaving the ADC in the state and their new destinations will be unveiled in the coming days.

The ADC in the state has suffered some setbacks in recent weeks and some stakeholders of the party, including MacFarlane Ejah, kicked against the David Mark-led leadership of the party. The party also suspended state congresses indefinitely in view of the litigation over its leadership.