The Chairman of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Cross River State, Goddie A. Akpama, has issued a strong warning against a group of individuals parading themselves as an official “Elders’ Forum” of the party.
In a strongly worded statement, Akpama declared that the so-called Elders’ Forum is not recognized by the party and has no place in its structure.
“Let me state categorically that the NDC remains a structured political party governed by its constitution and established procedures. There is nowhere in our records where this so-called Elders’ Forum exists,” Akpama said.
The State Chairman described the action as “a direct affront” to his office and the party’s leadership, warning that no individual or group has the right to appoint themselves as elders without proper approval from the duly constituted authorities.
Akpama emphasized that any Elders’ Forum, if needed, must be formally constituted in line with the party’s constitution, adding that anything short of that is “illegal, null and void.”
He particularly called out Mr. Bassey Ekefre, reportedly leading the group, urging him and his associates to immediately desist from the activity.
“I particularly call on Mr. Bassey Ekefre… to distance himself from what can only be described as an association acting outside the authority of the party. They are advised to retrace their steps in the interest of peace, unity and respect for party discipline.”
The NDC chairman vowed that any attempt to hijack or create parallel structures within the party in Cross River State would be “firmly resisted” through all legitimate means.
“The party is supreme. No one is above the party, and no parallel structure will be tolerated… Failure to desist may attract consequences arising from the party’s constitutional provisions and disciplinary mechanisms.”
This development highlights growing tensions within the relatively young NDC as it tries to establish internal discipline and order ahead of future political engagements in Cross River State.
