By Ibrahim Hassan-Wuyo

KADUNA — The African Democratic Congress, ADC, may be facing fresh internal pressure in Cross River State following a threat by one of its chieftains, Edeh Benjamin, to leave the party and move his political structure to the Allied Peoples Movement, APM.

Benjamin, who also declared support for Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, whom he identified as the APM presidential candidate for the 2027 election, said he was considering the move over an unresolved issue concerning his name on the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, list.

Speaking with journalists in Kaduna on Thursday, Benjamin alleged that the ADC had failed to upload his name on the INEC list despite what he described as an earlier resolution of the matter.

He said the development had left him with no option but to consider moving his supporters and political structure to another political platform.

According to Benjamin, his possible departure could affect the ADC’s political presence, particularly in Cross River North, where he claimed the party was yet to establish a broad grassroots base.

“For ADC, the concern is bigger than losing one candidate. It is the possibility of losing the youth narrative and grassroots energy that he was helping to build,” he said.

Benjamin argued that the development raised questions about the party’s ability to retain its youth appeal and grassroots momentum in Cross River ahead of the 2027 elections.

He also accused some senior members of the ADC of failing to adequately address his complaints, particularly those relating to his political status within the party.

He said the alleged failure to resolve the matter had contributed to his decision to consider political realignment.

Benjamin, who said he had been building a grassroots movement around youth participation and generational leadership, maintained that his proposed move was not solely about his personal political future but also about the direction of supporters and political actors associated with him.

He expressed optimism that joining the APM and supporting Makinde could provide an opportunity to build a stronger political structure in Cross River.

He further claimed that some young supporters and grassroots political actors were already showing interest in Makinde’s presidential aspiration, saying the proposed realignment could help expand the governor’s political support beyond his traditional base in Oyo State.

However, Benjamin did not disclose whether members of his political structure had formally agreed to leave the ADC with him.

The proposed move, if eventually carried out, could add to the political realignments expected to shape the 2027 general elections, as parties and political aspirants intensify efforts to strengthen their grassroots structures across the country.