Cross River NDC chairman, exco bicker over anti-party activities

Internal conflict has erupted within the Cross River State chapter of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), with the State Executive Council passing a vote of no confidence in its Chairman, Goddie Akpama. The executives leveled several serious accusations against Akpama, including engaging in anti-party activities, conflicts of interest, financial irregularities, and abuse of office.

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Akpama managed delegates’ funds and other party resources without transparency, constituted screening committees without constitutional authority, admitted persons of questionable loyalty into the party structure and had failed to convene a meeting of the State Executive Council since the state congress.

According to a communiqué issued by party officials, including the Deputy State Chairman Mark Ujor and Publicity Secretary Cletus Amawu, Akpama allegedly continued to receive salaries from the state government until May 2026, despite claiming to have resigned. This is seen as a significant conflict of interest for the leader of an opposition party. The executives also accused Akpama of unilaterally altering the State Executive Council list post-congress, imposing party officials, sidelining elected members, and failing to establish ward and local government structures.

Further allegations include a lack of transparency in managing delegates' funds and party resources, constituting screening committees without constitutional authority, admitting individuals of questionable loyalty, and failing to convene State Executive Council meetings since the state congress. The executives have appealed to the party's National Working Committee to investigate these claims thoroughly.

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We are appealing to the party’s National Working Committee to investigate the allegations and determine whether constitutional procedures were breached, whether party funds were properly managed and whether the chairman abused his office.

However, Akpama has vehemently denied the allegations, labeling them as false and politically motivated. He asserts that he officially resigned his state government appointment on February 16, 2026, and possesses documentary proof, including his resignation letter and official receipts confirming the refund of any salaries mistakenly paid after his departure. He maintains that the accusations are a fabrication by those seeking to gain political advantage.

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My resignation letter exists. The refund receipts exist. The truth exists. What does not exist is the fantasy being promoted by those who are desperate to score cheap political points.