By Ike Uchechukwu, CALABAR

The Cross River State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has elected a new State Executive Committee (SEC) in a bid to reposition the party for victory in the 2027 general elections.

The election took place on April 11, 2026, in Calabar, and was supervised by a State Congress Committee headed by Prof. Sambo Williams as Chairman, with Chief Muganami as Secretary and Comrades Anthony Bissong Attah and Dr. Inyang Unoh as members.

Godwin Assam Effa emerged as State Chairman. Other key officials elected include Asuquo Ekpo as State Secretary, John Jallo Egbeji as Deputy Chairman, Paul Effiom Edet as State Publicity Secretary, Eja Martins Titia as State Financial Secretary.

While Etim O. Umoren emerged State Treasurer, Andrew Okwoche as State Organising Secretary, David Ekpo as State Legal Adviser, Christabel Kosang as State Woman Leader, Michael Anese as State Youth Leader, and Charles Samuel as State PWD Leader.

Also elected were John Akoramit as Vice Chairman (South), Fijian Uninke Akpake as Vice Chairman (North), Cosmos Efeghe as Vice Chairman (Central), and 51 other members.

In his acceptance speech, Effa described his leadership as “a new beginning” for the party in the state, stressing a vision that harnesses the energy of the youth while respecting the wisdom of elders.

“This moment is not just about me,” Effa declared. “It is about a rebuild of broken values.

“It is about a generation that refuses to give up on its future. To the young people of Cross River State. Your time is now,” he said.

He pledged to transform the ADC from a mere political platform into “a platform for possibility,” anchored on three core pillars: inclusive leadership that moves away from the politics of exclusion, restoration of integrity and confidence through transparency, and repositioning Cross River as a beacon of progress and opportunity.

Effa commended party stalwarts, including former Governor Senator Liyel Imoke and National Vice Chairman (South), Pastor Usani Usani, and urged both old and new members to join the movement.

“Together, we will build a party that wins not just elections, but the trust and hearts of the people,” he said.

With the 2026 congress now concluded, the ADC in Cross River State is set for aggressive grassroots engagement and internal reconciliation as it prepares for the 2027 polls.