The African Democratic Congress, ADC, in Cross River State is embroiled in a leadership dispute over the list of candidates published by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, for the 2027 general elections.

Two factions of the party have made conflicting claims over the authenticity of the list, with each insisting that it represents the legitimate leadership of the ADC in the state.

The State Chairman, Dr. John Ogar, who spoke for one faction in a press statement, said those on the INEC list emerged from “illegal congresses and an unconstitutional convention” annulled by the High Court and Court of Appeal.

He described them as “imposters” and said the matter is now before the Supreme Court.

Ogar alleged that the other faction violated the ADC Constitution by running the party with an unelected Caretaker Committee, and that the “David Mark led group” lacked legal authority to present candidates to INEC.

However, the gubernatorial candidate listed by INEC, Amb. Nkoyo Toyo, who is presenting candidates under the David Mark-led national leadership, said the issues were on appeal.

She stated that the party remained open to reconciliation and was taking steps to unite divergent interests within the ADC in Cross River.

“As the flag bearer, I will say these are matters that have been adjudicated by the different courts and we are lawfully guided by the outcome, as we await further decisions based on the issues that have gone on appeal.

“Additionally, it must be said that we have been open to the reconciliation of various and divergent interests within the party and have taken definitive steps already to build bridges that are paying huge dividends” she said. (Saturday Sun)