Press Statement by the Cross River South Consultative Forum (CRSCF)
Date: August 2, 2025
The ADC Coalition and Its ATAM Congress Facade: A Divisive Ethnic Agenda Masquerading as Opposition Politics
The Cross River South Consultative Forum (CRSCF), a committed advocate for good governance, unity, and socioeconomic progress in Cross River State, wishes to address the so-called opposition coalition led by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and its shadowy offshoot, the so-called “ATAM Congress.” We categorically condemn this coalition’s desperate and divisive tactics, which are rooted not in the lofty ideals of democratic reform but in a blatant pursuit of power driven by ethnic chauvinism and regional prejudice.
Under the exemplary leadership of His Excellency, Senator Bassey Otu, Cross River State has witnessed unprecedented progress in infrastructure, tourism revitalization, youth empowerment, and socioeconomic development. Governor Otu, a son of the Southern Senatorial District, has demonstrated optimal performance, fostering unity across the all ethnic groups while delivering tangible dividends of democracy. His administration’s investments in the Calabar Port, revitalization of Tinapa and Obudu Cattle Ranch, and robust youth employment programs stand as testaments to his commitment to the collective prosperity of Cross Riverians. Yet, the ADC coalition, cloaked in the guise of opposition, seeks to wrest power from this performing governor. We ask: Why disrupt a leadership that is delivering for all Cross Riverians?
The emergence of the so-called “ATAM Congress” within the ADC coalition exposes its true intentions—a thinly veiled ethnic agenda aimed at undermining the South’s rightful leadership. The coalition, dominated by figures from the Northern and Central Senatorial Districts, such as former Governor Liyel Imoke, former Minister Usani Usani and other political opportunists, appears fixated on seizing the governorship in 2027 simply because Governor Otu hails from the South. This narrative, propagated by the ATAM Congress, reeks of ethnic manipulation and regional bias, betraying the coalition’s claim to represent a unified, transformative opposition. Instead of articulating a vision for Cross River’s future, the coalition and its ATAM Congress component peddle divisive rhetoric, pitting the North and Central districts against the South in a bid to destabilize our state’s hard-earned unity.
The CRSCF finds no trace of the ADC coalition’s purported ideals—democratic reform, social justice, or economic recovery—in its actions. Where is the evidence of a genuine commitment to Cross River’s progress? The coalition’s ranks are filled with recycled politicians who, during their tenures, contributed to the very challenges they now claim to oppose. Their sudden defection to the ADC, a party with no credible grassroots structure in Cross River, is not driven by principle but by personal ambition and a lust for power. The ATAM Congress, in particular, is a dangerous distraction, a faction that seeks to exploit ethnic fault lines to advance the governorship ambitions of a select few from the North and Central districts, at the expense of our state’s cohesion.
Should we particularly remind the leadership of the coalition in the state, His Excellency Liyel Imoke about the whereabouts of Cross River aircraft? The $6m cost of purchasing the fantom aircraft, with another whooping sum of N89.2m voted for its refurbishment? But, such a craft never appeared in Calabar as it was rumored to be in the hangar in Lagos, where it was coated with stealth technology, and it became invisible. In fact, auditors had no better option than to write off such expenditure. Is this the same Imoke who has returned for more, because nothing happened the last time? Need we say that even the loss of our 76 oil wells traces to Imoke’s criminal complacency?
We challenge the ADC coalition and its ATAM Congress to present a policy blueprint that rivals Governor Otu’s achievements. Where is their plan to sustain the tourism renaissance in Cross River? What solutions do they offer for youth unemployment or infrastructure development? Their silence on these critical issues exposes their lack of substance and confirms that their agenda is rooted in ethnic posturing rather than the welfare of Cross Riverians. The people of Cross River, from Calabar to Ogoja, will not be swayed by such divisive tactics.
The CRSCF stands firmly behind Governor Bassey Otu and the APC’s progressive vision for Cross River. We call on all well-meaning Cross Riverians to reject the ADC coalition’s ethnic-driven campaign and its ATAM Congress facade. Let us unite across our senatorial districts—South, Central, and North—to protect the gains of Governor Otu’s administration and ensure that Cross River remains a beacon of unity and progress. The APC, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Otu, remains the only party committed to delivering inclusive governance and sustainable development for our state.
We urge the ADC coalition to abandon its divisive rhetoric and focus on constructive engagement. Cross River will not be a battleground for ethnic politics or the personal ambitions of failed politicians. Governor Bassey Otu’s performance speaks louder than the coalition’s empty promises, and the people of Cross River will stand by him in 2027 and beyond.
Signed,
Hon. Eyo Nsa Ekpo Esq
Chairman, Cross River South Consultative Forum (CRSCF)
