Senator Liyel Imoke and former Minister Usani Usani have declared their thrown their weight behind the African Democratic Congress (ADC), as a bid to reclaim political power in Cross River State.
Speaking during a gathering of stakeholders from various political backgrounds, Imoke, now the leader of ADC in the state, said the coalition was determined to reverse what he described as a steady decline trajectory in governance at both state and national levels.
Imoke introduced Usani as the new National Vice Chairman of ADC (South-South) and also announced Jackie Wayas, daughter of the late Senate President Joe Wayas, as the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the party.
“We’re in for serious business. We want to reignite the spirit and determination we had in 1998 when, despite lacking resources, we successfully took over power in the state,” he said.
Imoke lamented the worsening economic situation of the country. He said, “Nigerians are hungry, not just for food but for change, for people-friendly leadership. Today, Nigeria has become the poverty and hardship capital of the world.”
He stressed that ADC would focus on building a new generation of leaders, not recycling the older class. He also lauded the party’s constitution, describing it as one of the best among political parties in Nigeria.
Usani, in his remarks, said he left the All Progressives Congress (APC), due to its failure to fulfil promises.
He said the newly formed coalition was based on principle and a shared vision, not personal ambition.
“Our mission is to build a new generation of purposeful, resourceful, and politically vibrant young leaders in Cross River and across the South-South,” Usani said.
At the inaugural meeting of the coalition, former Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Hon. Bassey Ewa, moved a motion for various political parties to collapse into ADC. The motion was seconded by former State Commissioner for Information, Chief Akin Ricketts.
Dr John Ogar, the State ADC Chairman, welcomed the new members and assured that, with their support, party offices would be established across all 196 wards and 18 local government chapters in the state.
The coalition in Cross River is scheduled to reconvene in Calabar at the end of August 2025.
