2027: C''River ADC, PDP Factions Set for Showdown With APC As ATAM Congress Emerges Soon

Bassey BASSEY 

THE battle for the Peregrino Government House Calabar, Cross River state is gathering momentum as coalition parties led by African Democratic Congress  (ADC) have commenced tacit and strategic mobilisation of critical stakeholders across parry lines, with a promise to upset the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) come 2027.

Besides, the battle seems to assume ethnic colouration as THE BEAGLES NEWS have it on good authourity that ATAM Congress, will soon be "launched" to fight for the "Atam" people, who claimed that they have been marginalised in appointments by the present adminstration.

 Determined to effect a change ahead of the 2027 general elections, the ADC, a faction of PDP and some APC members have been holding series of meetings strategising on how to wrestle power from incumbent Governor Bassey Otu.

 _ADC holds a Caucus meeting_ 

Ahead of official inauguration of ADC in Cross River, the group had an inaugural meeting of the caucus held on July 12 2025 at No 27 Suliaman Barua Crescent, Asu Villa at the residence of the convener, former Governor Liyel lmoke, the Leader of the caucus.

At the meeting, lmoke briefed members on the steps taken so far by the leadership of the coalition that led to the adoption of ADC as the flagship of the coalition movement.

He emphasised the need for proper coordination of the movement and urged stakeholders to be more receptive by allowing people to own the movement and to have free and unhindered access to the party in CRS. 

He admonished all to work as a true opposition party that is determined and ready to wrestle power from the ruling party both at the state and the federal levels.

Members who spoke were unanimous on the need for openness and all-inclusive union with proper coordination n corporation, as that is the only way success will be guaranteed.

The meeting also availed members the opportunity of interacting with the existing ADC state chapter as the chairman assured coalition partners of an open door policy that will facilitate an effective registration of intending members across the state,as the party is very expectant.

Among other things, the meeting resolved to create two ad hoc committees to help facilitate a smooth and robust unveiling of the party in the state, its infusion, registration, and integration.

Present at the meeting include 
H.E.Sen.Liyel lmoke, Sen. Gershom Bassey, Hon Usani Uguru Usani, Hon Emmanuel lbeshi, Hon Eko Atu, Chief Akin Ricketts, Dr John Ogar, Mr Thomas Ofem, Chief Ugba Morphy, and Eld Mma Eno Oqua.

Others were Hon Nick Ayuwa, Effiong Nyong, Dr Macfarlane Ejah, Christabel M.Kasang, and Bassey Eko Ewa. While the likes of Hon Nkoyo Toyo, Hon Ekpo Okon, and Chief Ntete Bassey Duke sent in apologies for absence.

 _ADC Mobilises_ 

From the Abuja meeting, ADC leaders have moved into the field to mobilise and spread the gospel "rescue Nigeria" and seem to be making inroads.

In one of the meetings at the instance of Akin Rickkets, a few weeks back and held at Ugep, some top politicians across party lines, attended and gave their tacit support to ADC provided that they were sincere and prepared to take up the gauntlet ahead of 2027.

A good number of prominent politicians attended, and some secretly and openly pledged their loyalties to the new party.

The meeting at UGEP serves as a testing ground and take-off point for the new opposition. The party has provided thick cover notebooks for prospective members to put down their names addressed and phone numbers.

ADC is targeting the central senatorial district because, according to them, the north is secured for them and is seen as strong- base of opposition in the state.

At the Southern Senatorial District of the state, there will be political explosion because Gershom is involved. They are projecting Gershom for governorship with a former House of Reps member as Deputy. So many will queue in because it is likely to be a four-year ticket.

Those said to have tacitly aligned with new ADC are Atiku's loyalists in PDP led by Imoke, former APC chairmanship aspirants in the local government primaries, who felt dissatisfied with the selection processes. They are angry that nobody is listening to them again after they were promised to be settled.

The old APC members (a.k.a) Legacy members are also being approached to join the new party in town as they offer a veritable platform to effect the needed change ahead of 2027.

 Also, the majority of former Governor Ben Ayade's appointees and aides are angry and dissatisfied with the system and are looking for a safe landing in ADC.

An analyst, Comrade Emmanuel Obongha, from Central said: "The state is charged. APC should not sleep with tie two eyes closed. Even some appointees are discreetly romancing with the new party.
They have vowed to some follow their old masters to the new safe haven.

"The Coalition is  targeting Yakurr, Abi, Obubra, Etung, Ikom, Boki, Akamkpa, Biase, Municipality, Bakassi and Akpabuyo.

"They are comfortable in forming an alliance with PDP leaders in the North to see how they can work with them to deliver north to ADC.

 "I can tell you that they very comfortable with what Senator is doing in north. He is already in opposition like them but not with them in ADC. But they have this conviction that at the appropriate time, he will join forces with ADC to rescue the state."

 _Emergence of ATAM Congress_ 
 
Recall that ATAM Congress first emerged during the adminstration of former Donald Duke. The Congress then, was a formidable force and fought against the second term of Duke.

However, there are strong indications that a few elites from Central and north are contemplating floating ATAM Congress, alleging lopsided appointments and favouring their southern brothers in most executive positions. 

To them, ATM Congress will serve as another opposing group  to fight for the marginalised people of central and north.

Sources revealed that the key figures of the defunct co gress are being discreetly contacted to see how they endorse it before they officially Inaugurate the news leadership.

One of the former leaders, who don't want to be quoted told THE BEAGLE NEWS that some people are putting the idea of bringing back ATAM Congress, not only for politics, but to reunite our brothers and sisters across all strata of the society and promote our soicio-cultural heritage. 

"After all, we have Ibibio Mkparawa, Ohanaeze, Ijaw Union, etc. What is wrong in floating one for the ATAM people. It might even change the name. So, nobody should be afraid, but the truth is that we need a common front to protect our common heritage," a source stated.

One of the old members of ATM Congress from Yakurr II constituency, who spoke off record, did not deny or accept the emergence. Rather said, "It is too early to comment as they area till watching developments."