By Frank Ulom
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has elected new Executive Committee (EXCOs) in Cross River State ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The process which was supervised by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) at the Chinese Restaurant, Cross River State Housing Estate, Calabar, on Monday, saw former Inter-Party Advisory Council, IPAC Chairman, Goddy Akpama, emerge as the new Chairman of the NDC.
Akpama was elected under a consensus arrangement.
The State Congress that produced him was conducted by a committee led by Christian Gekpe. Other members of the committee were Mr Emmanuel Idris Yakurr and Dr Gabriel Abu. Dr Clement Agim served as the chairman of the Appeal Committee.
In his post-election speech, Akpama promised to uphold the trust placed in him. He said, “I will not betray the confidence reposed in me. I will lift the party to a higher pedestal.” He added that the policy thrust of the NDC under his leadership would be “inclusive governance.”
He also charged members of his team to reject any defeatist mindset. “Shun whatever defeatist tendency that you uphold,” he urged, “but instead work with a mentality of conquering the political opponents in the 2027 general elections.”
Akpama further vowed to collaborate with other party members to secure victory for the party’s presidential ticket. He stated, “I will join hands with other party members to ensure that our presidential candidates, Mr Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwanwosu, emerge as the next president and vice president of Nigeria in 2027.”
Speaking at the event, the Director General of the Henry Seriake Dickson Foundation, Dr Clement Agiangie, called for unity. He said, “All hands must be on deck in order to produce the next leaders in the country.” He also warned members “not to allow money bags to hijack the structures of the party.”
Also addressing the gathering, party leader Dr Ntets Duke commended members for their massive turnout. He revealed that “in the last 24 hours over 12 million people had registered,” adding that the turnout “has almost crashed the party’s portal.”
