C’River ADC Rejects Caretaker Committee

The Cross River State chapter of the African Democratic Congress has opposed the formation of an interim national caretaker committee, describing it as a move that goes against the party’s rules and could affect its chances in the 2027 general elections.

The position was made known in Calabar on Tuesday by the party’s State Vice Chairman (Central) and Director of Policy and Strategy, MacFarlane Ejah, during a press briefing.

He explained that the decision to set up the caretaker body followed a meeting held in Abuja in July 2025, where a group reportedly dissolved the existing National Executive Committee and introduced a new interim leadership. The committee was said to include David Mark as chairman and Rauf Aregbesola as secretary, along with other members.

According to the state chapter, such an arrangement is not recognised under the party’s constitution adopted in 2018. It maintained that leadership positions in the party are meant to be filled through proper congresses and in line with the Electoral Act. The group warned that any structure formed outside these procedures could be considered invalid.

The party also raised concerns that allowing the caretaker leadership to conduct congresses or conventions could create problems for candidates that emerge from such processes. It noted that issues with internal procedures have in the past led to disqualification of candidates in elections.

In response to the situation, the state chapter said it had submitted a petition to the Independent National Electoral Commission, asking the commission to step in. The request includes stopping the caretaker committee from acting as the party’s leadership and halting planned congresses scheduled for early April 2026.

The group added that it had given the electoral body seven days to respond, after which it would consider legal action. It stated that its goal is to ensure that the party returns to a system where leaders are chosen through accepted democratic processes and in line with established rules.