African Democratic Congress launches 63‑member campaign council in Cross River ahead of 2027 elections

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) formally opened a 63‑member campaign council in Cross River State on Wednesday, signalling the start of its voter mobilisation efforts ahead of the general elections slated for January and February 2027. The inauguration took place at the party’s state secretariat in Calabar and was attended by officials and supporters representing the state’s 18 ADC chapters.

Prince Henry Enyong, a former state commissioner, was named director‑general of the Cross River campaign council. He will be assisted by campaign secretary Asuquo Ekpo and state women’s leader Madam Christabel Mfam Kasang. The event also featured remarks from the party’s national coordinator for the Atiku/Amaechi campaign, Ntufam Ekpo Okon, who highlighted the council’s intent to engage directly with voters and persuade them to distance themselves from the ruling party.

Background

The ADC’s Cross River mobilisation follows a similar inauguration of a North‑West Campaign Council earlier in the week, led by factional National Chairman Nafiu Gombe. That event, held after a meeting of the party’s North‑West Zonal Caucus in Sokoto State, brought together governorship, senatorial, House of Representatives and State House of Assembly candidates. Both regional launches are part of the ADC’s broader strategy to prepare for the 2027 elections, which are scheduled for January and February next year.

During the Cross River ceremony, Okon criticised recent federal policies, including the removal of the fuel subsidy and currency devaluation, which he said have worsened living conditions. He also raised concerns about rising university tuition fees and the perceived mismanagement of funds saved from subsidy removal and increased borrowing, echoing comments from a former Peoples Democratic Party state chairman who questioned the government’s budget implementation.

ADC governorship candidate Ambassador Nkoyo Toyo used the platform to outline the party’s manifesto, emphasizing economic growth, strong institutions and the reduction of reliance on religious rhetoric in politics. Toyo advocated for subsidising local petroleum production and supplying crude to domestic refineries at reduced rates to lower fuel costs.

Why it matters

The launch of the campaign council positions the ADC to contest the upcoming elections with a structured grassroots operation in Cross River, a state with significant electoral weight. Party chairman Godwin Effanga highlighted the competence of the gubernatorial candidate, noting her experience as a mother and wife, and urged Cross Riverians to vote and protect their ballots to secure a legacy for future generations.

If successful, the ADC’s mobilisation could alter the political landscape in Cross River, challenging the incumbent ruling party’s dominance. The party’s focus on economic grievances, such as fuel prices and tuition fees, aims to resonate with voters dissatisfied with current policies.

What happens next

Following the inauguration, the ADC campaign council is expected to commence field activities, engaging directly with communities across Cross River to communicate its platform and critique the ruling party’s record. The council’s next steps include organising rallies, distributing campaign materials and coordinating with the broader ADC national structure as the election timetable progresses toward the early‑year polls in 2027.