Police in Calabar sealed the venue for a planned African Democratic Congress (ADC) meeting on Tuesday, preventing the inauguration of the party’s membership registration and mobilisation committee.
The event, originally set to hold at an Event Centre along Marian Road, was restricted by mobile police acting on orders following a petition by some party members.
The ADC condemned the meeting, calling it unauthorised and organised by individuals not recognised by the party leadership.
Officials said the party remains united under the state chairman, Dr. John Oga, and insisted that no faction exists within the state chapter.
The planned inauguration, headed by Eko Alobo, was later moved to the home of the South South Zonal Vice Chairman, Dr. Uguru Usani, where a large number of party members gathered.
Top ADC officials engaged with the Commissioner of Police to resolve the standoff, but the relocation was confirmed necessary to continue proceedings.
ADC leaders assured that the party will continue to operate according to its constitution and maintain people-centred democratic principles.
The state vice chairman for the Central Senatorial District, Dr. Mcphalane Ejah, said the party rejects any actions that attempt to hijack its structure or undermine the leadership recognized by the state executive.
The leadership clarified that the committee for membership mobilisation, registration, and revalidation for the state’s 18 local government areas is not recognised by the state executive and will not be allowed to function under the party’s banner.
Party officials called on all members to remain loyal to the approved leadership and uphold the democratic processes set by the ADC.