Legal Storm Brews in NDC as Aggrieved Aspirants Reject Cross River Primary Process

Ukorebi Esien | May 31, 2026

OBUBRA – A fresh crisis appears to be brewing within the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Cross River State as aggrieved aspirants and party stakeholders threaten legal action over alleged irregularities in the conduct of the party's primary election for the Obubra/Etung Federal Constituency.

The controversy centers on the participation of Mr. Ken Egbas in the party's primary election held on May 29, despite claims by stakeholders that he was not among the aspirants cleared by the party's screening committee to contest the House of Representatives ticket.

Documents sighted by party members reportedly indicate that Dr. Tawo Obah Edom was the only aspirant who successfully passed the screening exercise and was duly cleared to contest for the ticket. Stakeholders argue that, based on the party's established guidelines, Dr. Edom should have emerged as the party's candidate through affirmation by delegates and party leaders.

However, the unexpected appearance of Ken Egbas on the ballot has triggered widespread dissatisfaction among party faithful, with many questioning the transparency and credibility of the primary process.

Several stakeholders have described the development as a violation of the party's internal procedures and a dangerous precedent capable of eroding confidence in the NDC's commitment to internal democracy.

According to sources familiar with the process, consultations are already underway among aggrieved aspirants and party members regarding possible legal options aimed at challenging the outcome of the primary election.

"The screening process is a fundamental aspect of any credible primary election. If individuals who were not cleared are allowed to participate in the process, it raises serious questions about the integrity of the exercise," a party stakeholder, who requested anonymity, stated.

The controversy has generated intense debate within the party, with some members warning that unresolved disputes could distract the NDC from its preparations for the forthcoming general elections and potentially damage its public image.

Political observers note that disputes arising from party primaries have historically resulted in prolonged litigation, disqualification of candidates, and internal divisions that often weaken political parties ahead of elections.

Stakeholders are therefore urging the party leadership to provide a comprehensive explanation regarding the circumstances surrounding Egbas's participation in the primary election and to take immediate steps to restore confidence in the process.

They insist that transparency, fairness, and strict adherence to party rules remain essential to preserving the credibility of the party and maintaining the trust of members and supporters.

As of press time, efforts to obtain official reactions from the state leadership of the NDC and Mr. Ken Egbas were unsuccessful. The party has yet to issue a formal statement addressing the allegations and concerns raised by stakeholders.

With tensions rising and legal threats becoming increasingly likely, political watchers say the manner in which the NDC leadership handles the dispute could significantly influence party unity and its electoral fortunes in Cross River State.

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A Rebuttal To The So-called “Open Letter” Against His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu

Press Statement | May 16 2026

 ...Desperation Overrides Reason, Propaganda Becomes The Last Refuge

The attention of concerned stakeholders and lovers of peace in Akamkpa Local Government Area has been drawn to the mischievous and emotionally charged “open letter” purportedly addressed to His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, Governor of Cross River State.

Ordinarily, such a publication drenched in bitterness, political frustration, and deliberate distortion of facts would not deserve a response. However, silence in the face of calculated falsehood may wrongly be interpreted as consent. It therefore becomes necessary to put the records straight and expose the hypocrisy, desperation, and arrogance behind the said publication.

First and foremost, the so-called open letter is not only misleading, but a direct insult on the office, personality, and integrity of the Governor of Cross River State, a man who has consistently demonstrated uncommon patience, fairness, maturity, and commitment to democratic inclusion. 

It is laughable and unfortunate that individuals who were given every opportunity to present their grievances through the appropriate channels suddenly resorted to emotional blackmail and public propaganda after failing to manipulate the process to suit their selfish interests.

For the avoidance of doubt, the Governor never shut his doors against consultation, dialogue, or engagement. Both parties involved were given equal opportunities to state their positions, air their concerns, and seek peaceful resolutions. Rather than approach the process with maturity and political wisdom, their benefactor chose the path of needless confrontation, fault-finding, and political arrogance, even where no offence existed.

In the end, he merely succeeded in shooting himself on the foot.

One cannot continue to insult leadership, undermine party structure, disregard political elders, and still expect sympathy from the same system one persistently seeks to ridicule. Politics is not built on tantrums, entitlement mentality, or media intimidation. It is built on respect, loyalty, consultation, patience, and capacity.

The claim that “few people cannot decide the future of 140,000 people” is not only deceptive but intellectually dishonest. Political leadership across the world thrives on consultation, consensus building, party structures, and internal mechanisms recognized by law and tradition. Democracy is not synonymous with mob sentiment or social media agitation sponsored by disgruntled elements seeking relevance.

Across the 18 LGAs, decision of who should represent them are agreed upon through consensus from the elders and presented to the Governor, or through interface with the Governor which has been accepted by all. It's quite unfortunate that the Commissioner for Works & Infrastructure through his media aide, Marcel Edem has continued to fan the ember of hatred, dissatisfaction, heating the polity and inciting the public against the same administration his boss, the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Ankpo Pius is a major beneficiary.

Calling for open primary when a consensus has been agreed upon  and pronounced by the Governor, is further questioning the wisdom of the Governor to seek the path of peace. 

Calling for open primary is akin to returning Akamkpa to the gory days in Akamkpa of political violence. 

Ironically, these person who are crying about exclusion, they were the same individuals who ignored wise counsel, rejected reconciliation efforts, and arrogantly dismissed political elders when peace was still achievable.

This is exactly why the Governor, in his wisdom and fatherly disposition, gave the timeless instruction:

“Go and learn how to respect your elders.”

That statement was not an insult. It was advice rooted in experience, discipline, political culture, and moral responsibility. Sadly, rather than reflect on those words, some individuals chose to escalate tensions through blackmail, propaganda, and public grandstanding.

Respect for elders is a foundational value in African society and remains critical in leadership and political engagement. No society progresses where younger political actors continuously insult, undermine, and challenge constituted authority simply because events did not favour their ambitions.

Furthermore, the attempt to portray Akamkpa as a divided and oppressed political entity is completely false. Akamkpa remains peaceful, politically active, and fully aligned with the vision of the Governor and the progressive direction of the administration.

The Governor’s “People First” mantra is evident across Cross River State through infrastructural development, strategic appointments, empowerment programmes, and deliberate efforts to carry all stakeholders along. Akamkpa has not been excluded from these gains. Therefore, it is dishonest for a few frustrated political actors to weaponize the emotions of the people simply because personal ambitions did not materialize as expected.

Those hiding under the guise of “concerned stakeholders” must understand that democracy also demands responsibility, decorum, and political maturity. You cannot claim to seek peace while simultaneously insulting leadership and attempting to incite public resentment against constituted authority.

His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, remains a listening leader, a democrat, and a statesman whose calm disposition should never be mistaken for weakness. The Governor has shown fairness to all parties and continues to prioritize unity, stability, and the collective interest of Cross River State above individual political desperation.

History will indeed remember this moment, not for propaganda and emotional outbursts, but for the Governor’s maturity in the face of provocation and for the lessons it teaches about humility, respect, and political discipline.

Akamkpa does not belong to noise makers. Akamkpa does not belong to political blackmailers. Akamkpa belongs to responsible leaders and peaceful citizens committed to unity, progress, and development.

Those who truly love Akamkpa must abandon bitterness, sheath their swords, respect constituted authority, and embrace constructive engagement rather than inflammatory propaganda.

No amount of sponsored outrage can substitute for political wisdom. No amount of emotional blackmail can replace respect. And no amount of noise can override disciplined leadership.

E-Signed,

Concerned Progressives and Peace Loving Stakeholders of Akamkpa Local Government Area

Should Loyalty Count in Politics? The Dansuki Question

Ukorebi Esien |  May 15, 2026

CALABAR – Politics is often described as a game of numbers, alliances, and ambition. Yet beneath the calculations lies a deeper and often uncomfortable question: should loyalty count in politics? And if it should, how should that loyalty be recognized?

As conversations around future political alignments continue within the All Progressives Congress in Cross River State, one issue increasingly surfaces in some political circles: should those who supported a collective cause when it mattered most be remembered when opportunities emerge?

This is where what many supporters call “the Dansuki question” begins.

The build-up to the 2023 elections in Cross River was dominated by a powerful argument: power should return to the South. It was an appeal rooted in equity, fairness, and rotational politics, principles many believed had helped maintain political balance in the state over the years.

That argument eventually prevailed, culminating in the emergence of Bassey Edet Otu as governor.

But political victories often leave behind another important question:

Supporters of Daniel Asuquo, popularly known as Dansuki, argue that his actions during the 2023 electoral cycle reflected a level of political sacrifice that deserves recognition.

After unsuccessfully seeking the governorship ticket under the People's Democratic Party, supporters say he had options. With the rising momentum around the Labour Party and the growing popularity of the Obedient Movement in Cross River, some believe he could have pursued a governorship ambition under a different platform.

Instead, supporters argue, he chose to pursue the senatorial race, a decision they interpret as an attempt to avoid fragmenting Southern votes at a time when the governorship contest featured a Southern candidate in Prince Otu against Sandy Onor from Central Cross River.

To those who advance this argument, the calculation was straightforward:

Another strong Southern governorship candidacy under a different platform could have complicated the broader push to return power to the South.

Whether one agrees with this interpretation or not, supporters maintain that Dansuki subordinated a larger personal ambition to what he saw as a broader Southern political interest.

Yet they insist the story did not end there.

According to supporters and campaign narratives from that period, Dansuki reportedly continued to encourage support for Prince Otu’s governorship ambition throughout portions of his political engagements, despite pursuing his own senatorial ambition under another platform.

For supporters, this was more than strategy—it was loyalty.

And loyalty, they argue, should matter.

Politics everywhere runs partly on memory: who stood with whom, who built alliances, who supported difficult causes, and who remained committed when outcomes were uncertain.

This raises difficult but legitimate questions:

* Should political sacrifice count in future considerations?

* Should loyalty be rewarded alongside competence and electability?

* Should those who helped build coalitions be remembered when power is negotiated?

For many supporters of Dansuki, the answer is yes.

Their argument extends beyond loyalty into equity and representation. They point out that the Akamkpa/Biase axis has never produced a senator despite decades of participation in the state’s political process.

In their view, the conversation is therefore twofold:

First, about historical balance and inclusion

Second, about whether political loyalty and sacrifice should count when stakeholders assess future leadership choices*l.

Others may disagree and argue that political decisions should rest solely on performance, broad acceptability, and future prospects.

That debate is legitimate.

But the question remains:

When political history is written, should those who sacrificed ambition for a larger cause be remembered?

Because perhaps that is the real issue behind the Dansuki question:

In politics, does loyalty count—or only victory?

2027: ADC Begins Sale of Nomination Forms in C’River

CALABAR –The Cross River State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has officially commenced the sale of Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms for aspirants seeking to contest elective positions in the 2026/2027 general elections.

The exercise, which began on May 14, 2026, covers aspirants for Senate, House of Representatives, and State House of Assembly seats across the state.

In a statement issued in Calabar and signed by the State Secretary of the party, Dr. MacFarlane Ejah, the party said the move forms part of its preparations to field credible and people-oriented candidates for the upcoming elections.

According to the statement, the nomination process will run until May 22, 2026, at the ADC Cross River State Secretariat located at 38 MCC Road, by Pearl Suites Hotels, Calabar.

The party leadership described the process as open, transparent, and inclusive, noting that every qualified member of the party would be given equal opportunity to participate.

“The ADC stands for a new era of politics built on integrity, competence, and service to the people. We encourage capable and committed sons and daughters of Cross River State to take advantage of this opportunity to offer themselves for leadership,” the statement read.

The party further reaffirmed its commitment to internal democracy and the emergence of candidates who would reflect the aspirations of Cross Riverians in areas of good governance, economic development, and inclusive leadership.

ADC advised interested aspirants to visit the state secretariat within the stipulated period to obtain their forms and receive necessary information regarding submission requirements and screening procedures.

Political observers say the commencement of nomination form sales signals the growing build-up to the 2027 elections in Cross River State, as political parties begin early mobilization and strategic positioning ahead of the polls.

Obubra/Etung: Egbara Gathers Massive Support After Party Screening

 Jesse Akpabio | May 4, 2026

OBUBRA– The political atmosphere in Obubra/Etung Federal Constituency gathered fresh momentum as Hon. Blessing Egbara rode on a wave of massive grassroots support following her successful screening by her party ahead of the House of Representatives primaries.

The screening exercise, held at the Ikom Council Secretariat, was described by party officials as rigorous yet transparent, with Hon. Egbara reportedly distinguishing herself through her clarity of purpose, composure, and deep understanding of constituency needs. Observers at the venue noted that her performance reaffirmed her readiness for legislative responsibility and strengthened confidence among party stakeholders.

Shortly after the exercise, Hon. Egbara engaged in an interactive session with key stakeholders, where she articulated a people-driven legislative agenda. She emphasized the need for inclusive governance, strategic infrastructure development, youth empowerment, and improved access to quality education and healthcare across the constituency.

Addressing party leaders and community representatives, she reiterated her commitment to servant leadership, stressing that her ambition is rooted in a genuine desire to provide responsive and accountable representation.

“I am deeply committed to the people of Obubra and Etung. This journey is about service, about amplifying your voices, and ensuring that our constituency gets the representation it truly deserves,” she said.

The highlight of the day, however, was the overwhelming show of support that greeted her arrival at the venue. A large crowd of enthusiastic supporters thronged the secretariat, chanting slogans, waving banners, and celebrating what many described as a new chapter in the constituency’s political journey. The atmosphere was marked by excitement and unity, reflecting the growing acceptance of her candidacy among the grassroots.

In her response to the reception, Hon. Egbara expressed gratitude for the show of solidarity, describing it as both humbling and inspiring. She assured supporters that their trust would be matched with dedication and continuous engagement.

“I do not take this support for granted. It strengthens my resolve to work harder, to listen more, and to ensure that no segment of our constituency is left behind,” she added.

Political analysts within the constituency believe that the combination of a successful screening outing and visible grassroots backing has significantly boosted her standing ahead of the primaries. Many now regard her as one of the leading contenders in what is expected to be a keenly contested race.

As the political process unfolds, Hon. Egbara’s campaign appears to be gaining traction, driven by a message of inclusivity, development, and accountable leadership—an approach that continues to resonate with a broad spectrum of voters across Obubra and Etung.

Wike’s Camp Suffers Setback as Court Dismisses Samuel Anyanwu’s Suit Against PDP

Ukorebi Esien  |  January 21, 2026 

ABUJA— The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has dismissed the suit filed by Senator Samuel Anyanwu challenging his removal as the National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), dealing a major setback to the camp of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, widely believed to have backed the embattled party chieftain.

Justice M. G. Umar, in a ruling delivered on Tuesday, struck out Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/254/2025 , Sen. Samuel Anyanwu v. INEC & Ors, in which the former PDP National Secretary sought judicial intervention to retain his position and restrain the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising or acting on any PDP correspondence not bearing his signature.

Anyanwu had approached the court following internal party disputes and earlier judicial pronouncements, arguing that his tenure as National Secretary subsisted until December 2025. He also relied on a previous Supreme Court decision which held that the leadership of political parties is largely an internal affair.

However, Justice Umar dismissed the suit on multiple grounds. The court reaffirmed the long-standing position of Nigerian courts that issues bordering on the internal administration and leadership of political parties are non-justiciable and fall outside the jurisdiction of the court.

The judge further held that the suit amounted to an abuse of court process, noting that several cases on the same subject matter were already pending or had been determined at different levels of the judiciary, including the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court.

In addition, the court ruled that Anyanwu's tenure had expired by effluxion of time, having been elected as PDP National Secretary in 2021. The court held that he could not lawfully continue to lay claim to the office beyond the tenure for which he was elected.

The ruling effectively nullifies Anyanwu's attempt to use the courts to sustain his hold on the PDP national secretariat and is seen as a significant blow to the political influence of the Wike-aligned faction within the party.

Although Anyanwu has persistently maintained that his term remained valid, he was among the high-ranking PDP members expelled from the party during the Ibadan National Convention held in November 2025.

The PDP currently recognises the Kabiru Tanimu Turaki-led National Working Committee (NWC), which emerged from the Ibadan convention and has since been accepted by the party as its legitimate national leadership.

Political observers say the judgment further strengthens the authority of the PDP's current leadership while narrowing the legal and political options available to dissenting factions within the party.