A major leadership crisis has erupted within the Cross River State chapter of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) after concerned members of the State Executive Council passed a vote of no confidence on the State Chairman, Mr Goddie Archibong Akpama, over allegations bordering on anti-party activities, financial irregularities, abuse of office, constitutional breaches and autocratic leadership.
Speaking through a communiqué made available to journalists on Friday, the executives said they were compelled to address the public because of what they described as “the deepening crisis currently confronting our party in the State” and announced that they had “hereby passed a VOTE OF NO CONFIDENCE on Mr Goddie Archibong Akpama.”
According to the communiqué, the decision followed “persistent complaints from party executives, stakeholders and grassroots members regarding alleged acts of anti-party conduct, financial irregularities, abuse of office, disregard for constitutional procedures and an increasingly autocratic leadership style attributed to the State Chairman.” The Executives maintained that “silence in the face of these concerns would amount to a dereliction of duty and a betrayal of the confidence reposed in us by party members across the state.”
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The aggrieved leaders further stated that, following “extensive consultations and deliberations,” they were presenting issues requiring “urgent attention and intervention by the National Leadership of our party.”
Among the allegations levelled against the Chairman are the unilateral alteration of the State Executive Council list after the State Congress without consultation, the alleged imposition of party structures and officials, failure to harmonise ward and local government structures, sidelining of key party officers, and the failure to convene a meeting of the State Executive Council since the congress.
They also raised concerns over the management of delegates’ funds and party resources, the constitution of screening committees without constitutional authority, and what they described as the infiltration of party structures by individuals of questionable loyalty.
The communiqué further alleged that the Chairman’s actions had “destroyed party goodwill and electoral chances to suit his paymasters’ orchestrated design.”
A major aspect of the dispute centres on Mr Akpama’s employment status with the Cross River State Government.
The executives alleged that questions remain over whether he continued to receive government salaries until May 2026 despite claims that he had resigned to lead an opposition political party.
“This situation has raised fears among members regarding the possibility of divided loyalty and potential compromise of party strategy, confidentiality and independence,” the communiqué stated, adding that although they refrained from drawing conclusions, the allegations were “sufficiently weighty to warrant immediate attention from the National Leadership.”
Consequently, the concerned executives called on the National Working Committee and the National Leadership of the Nigeria Democratic Congress to constitute an independent investigative panel to examine all allegations against the State Chairman.
According to them, the investigation should determine “whether constitutional procedures were breached; whether party funds were properly managed; whether there was abuse of office or conflict of interest; whether actions taken were detrimental to the party’s growth and electoral prospects; and whether his membership and resignation documentation comply with party SOPs.”
The Executives further demanded the restoration of the original State Executive Council structure, verification of the membership status of all State Executive members, an end to what they termed divisive leadership practices, the unhindered functioning of all constitutionally recognised party offices, particularly the Office of the State Publicity Secretary, and swift intervention by the Party’s National Leadership to restore confidence and unity within the Cross River chapter.
Reaffirming their commitment to the Party, they declared: “The future of the Nigeria Democratic Congress in Cross River State must not be jeopardized by internal disputes, personal interests or unconstitutional practices.”
They added: “Our party was founded on the principles of justice, accountability, transparency, fairness and collective leadership. These principles must remain inviolable.”
The communiqué concluded with a call on the National Leadership “to act promptly to safeguard the unity, integrity and electoral prospects of our great party,” while affirming that the signatories remain committed “to the growth, progress and success of the Nigeria Democratic Congress.”
The communiqué was signed on behalf of other concerned members of the State Executive Council and Stakeholders by Sir Mark Ujor, Deputy State Chairman; Comrade Cletus Albert Amawu, State Publicity Secretary; Lady Adim Henshaw, State Women Leader; Hon. Ebaye Akonjom Esq., State Legal Adviser; and Ettan Aidam Mark, State Financial Secretary.
As at the time of going to press, all attempts to reach Mr Goddie Archibong Akpama for his reaction were unsuccessful.
