- The African Democratic Congress (ADC) appointed former Cross River Governor Donald Duke as Chairman of its new Leadership Forum
- The forum, comprising senior party members, was tasked with providing strategic guidance and oversight across the state’s senatorial districts
- The ADC also planned a major membership drive and vowed to enforce internal discipline to strengthen party operations ahead of upcoming elections
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has appointed former Cross River State Governor and ex-presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Mr Donald Duke, as Chairman of its newly created Leadership Forum.
Duke, who recently defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was named to the position during an enlarged stakeholders’ and executive committee meeting of the party’s Cross River State chapter.
A communiqué issued at the conclusion of the meeting, signed by the state chairman, Dr John Ogar, described the Leadership Forum as the highest non-elective advisory body in the party, tasked with providing strategic guidance and oversight to ADC leadership across the state.
The statement noted that the forum would comprise respected members with proven leadership experience and integrity, emphasising its importance in strengthening party operations and governance.
Stakeholders at the meeting unanimously endorsed Duke as chairman of the forum, assigning him the responsibility of overseeing activities across the state’s three senatorial districts.
In addition to Duke, three other party elders were appointed to lead the districts:
- Chief Ray Ugba Morphy for the Northern Senatorial District,
- Chief Akin Ricketts, former chairman of the Nigerian Ports Authority, for the Central District, and
- Dr Effiong Nyong, a former ADC governorship candidate, for the Southern District.
The party also announced plans to intensify its membership drive, setting a target of registering at least one million voters ahead of the next general elections.
Furthermore, the ADC pledged to enforce internal discipline, warning that the party constitution would be applied to any member, irrespective of status, found engaging in activities detrimental to the growth of the party.
The creation of the Leadership Forum and Duke’s appointment signal the ADC’s renewed focus on strengthening its organisational structure and enhancing strategic decision-making at the state level in preparation for upcoming elections.
The party described the forum as a platform to harness the experience and expertise of senior members to guide leadership, monitor compliance, and ensure the implementation of policies aligned with the ADC’s vision.