PRESS RELEASE
ADC Coalition Movement,
Cross River State.
Date: 22nd February 2026
The ADC Coalition Movement in Cross River state wishes to address the good people of Cross River and the general public on the lingering oil well dispute and related matters affecting the growth, unity, and economic prosperity of our dear state.
First, we strongly condemn the Government of Akwa Ibom State for what we consider an act of greed, selfishness, and unfair treatment toward Cross River state. Cross River, as the mother state from which Akwa Ibom was created, deserves fairness, equity, and brotherly consideration in matters concerning shared resources, particularly the disputed oil wells. The continued deprivation of our rightful economic assets is not only unjust but detrimental to the development of our people, especially in Bakassi and other affected communities.
Secondly, we condemn the failure of the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government to deploy a sincere political solution in resolving the oil well dispute between two sister states governed by the same political party. It is disappointing that, despite shared political alignment, the Federal Government has not demonstrated the leadership, neutrality, and statesmanship required to achieve an amicable resolution. This inaction has prolonged economic hardship and stalled developmental opportunities for our state.
We, however, commend the Governor of Cross River state for his courage, ruggedness, and unwavering determination in pursuing the recovery of our lost assets, including the Tinapa Business Resort and the disputed 76 oil wells. His commitment to reclaiming these critical economic facilities reflects a genuine desire to reposition Cross River state for prosperity and self-reliance. Notwithstanding, we will still challenge and vote APC out everywhere; we will appeal to the Governor to choose the right party to avoid the bandwagon effect of the ADC coalition in 2027.
Furthermore, we call on all Cross Riverians, citizens at home and in the diaspora, traditional rulers, youths, women groups, civil society organizations, and political parties irrespective of affiliation, to rise above partisan interests and unite in support of the state government’s efforts to recover our economic rights. This is not a partisan struggle; it is a collective fight for justice, economic survival, and the future of our children.
Finally, the ADC Coalition Movement in Cross River state and Bakassi Local Government calls on all lovers of Cross River state to align with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as the credible and viable alternative in 2027. The welfare and dignity of our state must not continue to suffer due to poor leadership and a lack of political will at the federal level. We firmly believe that a new federal government under the leadership of the ADC will prioritize dialogue, fairness, and political solutions in resolving disputes such as the oil well matter, ensuring that both sister states benefit equitably in the true spirit of unity and federalism.
The time has come for decisive change, responsible leadership, and a renewed commitment to justice for Cross River state.
Austine Ibok
Convener, ADC Coalition Movement CRS.
