The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Cross River State has descended into a major internal conflict, with party leaders warning members to shun a meeting allegedly convened by the suspended National Vice Chairman (South-South), Usani Usani.
The controversial gathering was reportedly slated for Sunday at the Calabar home of former state governor, Senator Liyel Imoke.
In a strongly worded statement issued on November 30, 2025, the ADC State Publicity Secretary, James Otudor, declared the meeting “illegal,” stressing that the party does not sanction activities held in private residences under its name. He reminded members that such gatherings are not recognised by the state leadership.
According to the statement, Usani — a former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs — and some others were previously instructed to formally resign from their former political parties before participating in ADC affairs. The leadership alleges they failed to comply, prompting Usani’s ongoing three-month suspension.
Otudor reiterated that only individuals who have undergone complete and verified registration are permitted to function as members or leaders within the ADC. He accused Usani of engaging in “anti-party activities” and warned against attempts to infiltrate the party structure through “backdoor manoeuvres.”
He further emphasised that only fully registered executives are empowered to address sensitive matters such as delegate lists, in accordance with the party’s constitution.
“Party leaders and members are advised to ignore these invalid meetings,” the statement read. It added that no meeting conducted without the express approval of the state chairman would be recognised, and any such gathering should be discontinued immediately.
The party leadership also hinted that the event planned at Imoke’s residence might be a disguised reception following an award recently presented to the former governor by the state’s APC governor, Bassey Otu.
Otudor maintained that the ADC remains committed to protecting its unity, integrity, and constitutional order.
When contacted, Senator Imoke declined to comment on the matter. Usani, however, insisted in an earlier interview that he remains the legitimate National Vice Chairman (South-South) of the party, dismissing his suspension: “I am speaking as the National Vice Chairman of our party in the South-South. Such suspension does not exist,” he said.
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