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Prior to the disruption, the ADC leadership in Cross River State had constituted a membership registration, mobilisation, and revalidation committee as part of efforts to strengthen the party’s structure and expand its membership base across the state.
Security operatives in Calabar, the capital of Cross River State, on Tuesday morning took over the venue scheduled for the inauguration of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) membership registration, mobilisation, and revalidation committee, preventing party members from accessing the facility and forcing the organisers to relocate the event.
The incident, which occurred at the Event Centre along Marian Road, created tension among members of the opposition party who had gathered in anticipation of the inauguration ceremony ahead of the party’s internal activities leading to future elections.
Eyewitnesses said a team of police officers arrived at the venue in the early hours of Tuesday and immediately cordoned off the premises, effectively stopping party officials and members from entering the hall where the programme was to take place.
The inauguration ceremony was scheduled for 10:00 a.m., but by as early as 7:00 a.m., security personnel had already mounted a blockade around the facility.
Committee Formation Ahead of Party Activities
Prior to the disruption, the ADC leadership in Cross River State had constituted a membership registration, mobilisation, and revalidation committee as part of efforts to strengthen the party’s structure and expand its membership base across the state.
The committee was headed by Eko Alobo and was tasked with overseeing the registration of new members, mobilising grassroots support, and revalidating existing party membership ahead of the party’s primaries and other internal political processes.Police Action Sparks Confusion
According to eyewitness accounts, officers prevented individuals wearing party insignia or identifying as ADC members from approaching the facility. Some members were reportedly asked to leave the area entirely.
The presence of the security personnel created confusion among party supporters who had arrived early to prepare for the ceremony.
A source close to the security operatives later revealed that the police action was based on instructions received following a petition allegedly submitted by certain members within the party.
While details of the petition were not immediately disclosed, the source indicated that the authorities acted in response to concerns raised in the complaint.
The development triggered speculation among party members, some of whom believed the dispute might be linked to internal disagreements within the state chapter of the party.
ADC Leaders Seek Police Intervention
In response to the situation, several senior figures in the party reportedly moved quickly to engage with security authorities in an attempt to resolve the impasse.
Among those involved in the discussions were the ADC South-South Zonal Vice Chairman, Usani Uguru Usani, and prominent party member Bassey Eko Ewa.
The party leaders were said to have met with the Commissioner of Police in Cross River State to seek clarification on the reason behind the sealing of the venue and to negotiate a possible resolution that would allow the inauguration to proceed as planned.
Sources within the party said the meeting was aimed at de-escalating tensions and ensuring that the party’s internal organisational activities could continue without disruption.
However, efforts to immediately resolve the issue reportedly proved unsuccessful.
Event Relocated to Usani’s Residence
With access to the Marian Road event centre still blocked by security operatives, ADC leaders eventually decided to relocate the gathering to an alternative venue.
The meeting was moved to the residence of Usani Uguru Usani, where a large number of party members subsequently gathered to continue discussions and proceed with the planned activities.
Supporters and party stakeholders from various parts of the state reportedly converged at the residence, turning it into a temporary meeting point for the party’s leadership and members.
Although the relocation allowed the gathering to continue, some party members expressed disappointment that the original venue had been sealed off by the police.
Political Implications
The incident has raised questions among observers about the intersection of political activities and security interventions in the state.
Political analysts note that the formation of membership committees is a routine process for political parties preparing for primaries and other internal processes.
However, security agencies sometimes intervene when disputes or petitions arise among party members, particularly if authorities believe such conflicts could lead to unrest.
The situation in Cross River appears to reflect underlying tensions within the party structure, though the exact nature of the petition that prompted the police action remains unclear.
Party Members React
Several ADC members who gathered outside the venue earlier in the morning expressed frustration over the disruption.
Some supporters said they had travelled from different parts of the state to attend the inauguration ceremony and were surprised to find the venue sealed by police officers upon arrival.
Others called for calm and urged party leaders to resolve whatever internal disputes may have triggered the situation.
Party officials at the relocated meeting venue reportedly reassured members that the committee’s work would proceed despite the setback.
Awaiting Official Statements
As of the time of filing this report, the Cross River State Police Command had not issued an official statement explaining the reason behind the decision to seal the venue.
Similarly, the state leadership of the ADC had yet to release a formal reaction detailing the outcome of their meeting with the Commissioner of Police.
Political observers say the development may prompt further clarification from both the security authorities and the party leadership in the coming days.
For now, however, the unexpected police intervention has added a fresh layer of controversy to the political activities of the African Democratic Congress in Cross River State, highlighting the challenges political parties sometimes face while organising internal mobilisation efforts.
