POLITICS: ADC Officially Berths In Calabar, Says Not Joking About Taking Over C'River In 2027

By Judex OKORO

THE African Democratic Congress (ADC) has stated unequivocally that the party is not joking about taking over the mantle of leadership in Cross River state in n 2027. 

The party, which held its inaugural state meeting at Kolanut Centre, Barracks Road Calabar on Thursday, said time has come for all Cross Riverians to rise up to the occasion and rescue the state, adding that it has officially berthed in Cross River.

At the inaugural meeting, a faction of PDP led by former Governor Liyel Imoke, LP and Obedient Movement emptied into ADC following a motion moved by Hon. Bassey Eko Ewa and seconded by Chief Akin Ricketts with unanimous "yes vote" by members numbering hundreds.

At the meeting too, Imoke introduced the new leaders to include state chairman. Dr Ambassador John Ogar, National Vice Chairman South South zone, Usani Uguru Usani, former Minister of Niger Delta, National Deputy Publicity Secretary, Jacky Wayas, 

Speaking, Imoke said: "This party is about the people. So take it back to them. What is driving the movement is the capacity for change. When we started in 1999, they said Lagos boys and ruffians everywhere. We had a lot of young people that drove with us. So, this is another opportunity for the young people. They were very skeptical of us, saying who are these boys and what do they think they are

"We are starting another movement at state and national levels. We have personalities and so you can imagine the timbers and calibres we have in ADC. You now know what it takes to come together to rescue the nation. 

"The coalition have come to find out that government is inciting parties to fight coalition. Now, we in Cross River state, as diverse as we are, have come together to rescue our state. Initially, they said coalition can never come together, Peter and Atiku can never come together. But we are telling you that they are all together and would take back Nigeria.

"This is a movement that is starting from the scratch. So, every ward must have office across the 196 wards. Everybody has to commence registration immediately. We have provided registers at every ward. 

"Go back and register. We did it in 1998, 1999 till 20215. We know how to do it. From this meeting, everybody is a coordinator on his or her street. Go and open one. You can donate your house, store and shop and put ADC on top to show committment. All our leaders here must open their wards and chapter offices. This is the way to capture the state and federal.

 "In 1999, they thought we had money, but those of us inside knew we were very broke. But we will enter plane with our small money and come to Calabar and make noise. Once the money finishes, we hop into plane and back to Lagos.

"The structure of ADC is well structured and better than all the party structures I have seen. Everybody takes equal ownership unlike PDP and APC. It is how you play it that determines who you are. We are equal joiners."

According to him, this is not the season of ambition, but a season for building for the future.

In his message, Sen. Gershom Bassey, said: "We are not doing anything childish. What we are doing is exercising our freedom of speech and association. Don't be perturbed by what people are saying about ADC outside."

He advised that people should be united and cohesive, saying "what I am doing here today is not easy and simple, I am not enjoying it, but we have strong conviction that we have done it before so we can do it again."

Speaking also, Dr. Usani Uguru Usani, said:" The people in this hall may not all committed in the coalition. But after today please come back. 

"I answered to the call of Liyel Imoke to see how we can rescue the state. I am here to make a promise of commitment that those things you are afraid of do not exist. 

"When we were trying to build APC, some people saw us as mad men. But today, see APC. Look at me here sitting with Imoke. I contested against him and took him up to Supreme Court. I have left all those things behind because that era is gone. 

"Today, we are happy to have Imoke at the national level. We are already covered. We would resist any imposition in ADC. I charge all of us to be on this train so we can reclaim the state and nation. Nobody should be afraid and those who are afraid should leave us. 

"The faces I have seen here is encouraging. We must be sincere and committed in this movement in collaboration, in truth and sincerity. We are natural organisers and by the time all of us register then we know we have taken off."

Also speaking, National Deputy Publicity Secretary, Jackie Wayas, daughter of late Joseph Wayas, commended the leadership for the opportunity given to her. 

"This ADC is a win-win for the youth. I represent the symbol of women and youths. ADC is committed to bringing In 5 percent of women into ADC. 2027 is date with history."

On his part, Chief Ugba Murphy, said: "The more we are together. The happier we shall be. Happen because as a young person we saw a better country ahead. So I am here to still contribute to mKe Nigeria great.

"Secondly, for us to succeed, we have to build trust among ourselves. Let bygone be bygone. I have a long history of political journey. I have gone through APP, PPD, LP, APC and now ADC.

"I am here because I want a better country. I am here as a member of Obedient Movement. I can say we are commited to contributing in building a better state. We built LP within a few months and we won in Cross River State.

"Those of us who played the role in 2023 are ready to play the same for the success of ADC. I am glad to be in this big family."

On his part, Dr Linda Bassey said: "I am excited we finally have a hand check. There is a lot coming for the youth, young lady and women. We have to step up.

" In politics, nothing is gone m to you unless you go out to get it. We us women, we need to get positions and we have to step up and grab it."

Contributing, the state chairman, Dr John Ogar, said: " I am happy that we are back to the same beat. I thank our leaders for coming together for a better society to enable us come out of this political quagmire."

On her part, Chief Mrs Helen Boco said: "I am interested in coming together to rebuild the country. It is not easy to be a revolutionary fighter. We would do the right thing for the coalition to excellent in 2027."

Ntufam Ekpo Okon, former commissioner for works and NDDC commissioner, said: "We are here today because we have come to the realisation that we are endangered. We must learn to rise up to keep vigil so we don't allow our common heritage to go the way we don't want it.

"Let us believe that what we achieved in 1999 can still be realised."

Other dignitaries at the event include Bassey Ntete Duke, Akin Ricketts, Bassey Ewa, Eko Atu, former House of Reps members, former state Assmebly members, former council chairmen, former political office holders and allies of Imoke, Gershom and Bassey Ewa.