‘Ignore Usani’s Backdoor Moves’ – Cross River ADC Warns Members

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Cross River State has descended into a fresh crisis as the party’s leadership has asked members to disregard a meeting reportedly convened by the National Vice Chairman (South-South), Usani Usani, who is currently serving a three-month suspension.

The controversial meeting was said to have been scheduled for Sunday at the Calabar home of a former governor of the state, Senator Liyel Imoke.

In a statement dated November 30, 2025, the State Publicity Secretary, James Otudor, warned that such gatherings are not recognised by the party.

According to him, “meetings held in private residences under the ADC name are illegal and not approved by the party.”

Otudor recalled that Usani, a former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, along with others, had earlier been instructed to formally resign from their previous political parties before taking part in ADC activities, but allegedly failed to comply.

The statement described Usani’s actions as anti-party and warned against attempts to weaken the ADC through backdoor maneuvers.

It stressed that only properly registered party executives are authorised to discuss sensitive matters, including delegate lists, in accordance with the party’s constitution.

“Party leaders and members are advised to ignore these invalid meetings,” the statement added.

The ADC further hinted that the gathering at Imoke’s residence may be a guise for a reception in honour of an award recently presented to the former governor by the state governor, Bassey Otu of the APC.

Otudor maintained that the ADC would continue to uphold its “integrity, unity and constitutional order.”

While Imoke declined to comment on the development, Usani dismissed claims of suspension, insisting in an earlier interview: “I am speaking as the National Vice Chairman of our party in the South-South. Such suspension does not exist.”