The Obidient Movement (TOM) in Cross River State has accused the leadership of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) of attempting to undermine the existing governorship zoning arrangement in the state ahead of the party’s forthcoming primaries NEGROIDHAVEN can say.
In a press statement issued in Calabar on Friday, leaders of the movement alleged that the party leadership was allowing an aspirant from the Northern Senatorial District to contest the governorship position against what they described as the long-standing rotational arrangement favouring the Southern Senatorial District.
The group argued that the zoning principle had remained a stabilising political tradition in the state since 1999 and warned that any attempt to disregard it could trigger internal discontent within the party.
According to the statement, “The zoning agreement in favour of the South Senatorial District of the state as concerns the governorship candidate is being maligned by the party leadership.”
The movement further alleged a lack of transparency in the build-up to the party primaries, claiming that several aspirants, including members of the Obidient bloc, were being sidelined from critical decision-making processes.
The group stated that there had been “zero communication” from the party secretariat regarding preparations for the primaries, adding that party members were relying largely on rumours and third-party information.
The Obidient Movement also expressed concern over what it described as possible “secret primaries,” alleging that some processes were allegedly being conducted without the knowledge of aspirants and voters.
The group equally questioned the neutrality of a national delegation that recently visited the state, accusing members of the committee of not acting in the overall interest of the party and its presidential candidate.
“The Committee appears to have a set opinion and from their conduct they seem to have a preset agenda,” the statement added.
The movement warned that the developments had created growing doubts among party members and stakeholders in the state, urging the national leadership of the party to intervene before the situation degenerates further.
It noted that failure to address the concerns could negatively affect the party’s unity and electoral chances in Cross River State ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The statement was jointly signed by Obonganwan Barbara Etim James, Hon. Engr. Bassey Ekefre, Kinie Bassey Willie, Chief Ray Ugba Morphy, Ngozi Echendu and Goodnews Umoh on behalf of the Obidient Movement in Cross River State.
The development comes amid ongoing political realignments within opposition circles following the recent alignment of the Obidient Movement with the NDC after the defection of former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to the party.
The Obidient Movement had earlier directed its supporters nationwide to register with the NDC as part of efforts to consolidate opposition forces ahead of the next election cycle.
