By Frank Ulom
Senior members of the Cross River State Executive Council of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) have passed a vote of no confidence on the party’s State Chairman, Mr Goddie Archibong Akpama, accusing him of alleged anti-party activities, financial irregularities, abuse of office and autocratic leadership.
The decision was announced in a communiqué issued on Friday, June 26, by concerned members of the State Executive Council and other stakeholders of the party.
The communiqué was signed by the Deputy State Chairman, Sir Mark Ujor; State Publicity Secretary, Comrade Cletus Albert Amawu; State Women Leader, Lady Adim Henshaw; State Legal Adviser, Hon. Ebaye Akonjom Esq.; and State Financial Secretary, Ettan Aidam Mark.
The Excos alleged that the party was facing a deepening internal crisis, which they attributed to the leadership style of the state chairman.
According to the communiqué, the group said it had become necessary to address party members, stakeholders and the public following persistent complaints over what it described as anti-party conduct, disregard for constitutional procedures and a pattern of unilateral decision-making.
The executives accused Akpama of allegedly altering the State Executive Council list after the state congress without consulting relevant stakeholders.
They also raised concerns over his employment status with the Cross River State Government, alleging that he continued receiving government salaries up to May 2026 despite claims that he had resigned, a situation they said raises questions about possible conflict of interest.
Other allegations contained in the communiqué include the alleged imposition of party structures and officials without due consultation, failure to harmonise and publish ward and local government structures, sidelining of key party officers, lack of transparency in the management of delegates’ funds and party resources, and the constitution of screening committees without constitutional authority.
The executives further alleged that individuals of questionable loyalty had been allowed into the party structure, potentially undermining the party’s electoral prospects.
They also faulted the chairman for allegedly failing to convene a meeting of the State Executive Council since the state congress.
Expressing concerns over what they described as a possible conflict of interest, the executives urged the National Working Committee and the National Leadership of the NDC to investigate the allegations.
They said the proposed investigation should determine whether constitutional procedures were breached, whether party funds were properly managed, whether there was abuse of office or conflict of interest, and whether the chairman’s actions had harmed the party’s growth and electoral prospects.
The group also requested the restoration of the original State Executive Council structure in line with agreed zoning arrangements, verification of the membership status of all state executive members, an end to what it described as divisive leadership practices, restoration of altered offices and positions, and urgent intervention by the national leadership to preserve party unity.
“The future of the Nigeria Democratic Congress in Cross River State must not be jeopardised by internal disputes, personal interests or unconstitutional practices,” the communiqué stated.
Responding, Akpama said there are plots to weaken the voice of opposition by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the State.
He said part of the plot is through character assassination as well as blackmail of opposition leaders.
According to Vanguard Newspapers, Akpama backed his claims with documentary evidence of his resignation from the Cross River State Government months before the smear campaign began.
Akpama, who claimed to have resigned his government appointment on February 16, 2026, said the timing and orchestration of the blackmail pointed to desperate elements within the political establishment threatened by the NDC’s growing foothold in the state.
“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,” Akpama said in a strongly worded statement on Friday.
He added, “Immediately I discovered the error in payment, I promptly refunded the full amount to the state government, obtaining official receipts as proof.
“The same individuals circulating copies of payslips have deliberately refused to circulate copies of my resignation letter and the receipts confirming the refund.
“They want party members to see only what suits their narrative while hiding facts that destroy their lies.
“If I were truly working for the APC as alleged, why would I resign my appointment? Why would I voluntarily refund the money? Why would I retain documentary evidence of the refund?” Akpama asked, challenging his accusers to match him fact for fact.
He also aimed at political rivals within the party’s orbit, whom he accused of weaponising the payroll error to suppress dissenting views on the party’s direction, particularly regarding the upcoming governorship race.
“Supporting a political position within a democratic party does not make anyone a traitor. Disagreement is part of democracy. What is not part of democracy is character assassination, blackmail and the deliberate manipulation of facts,” he stated.
