By Abasi Ita
The Cross River State chapter of the African Democratic Congress has elected a new State Executive Committee as part of efforts to reposition the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The state congress, held on April 11, 2026 in Calabar, was supervised by a State Congress Committee led by Prof. Sambo Williams as chairman and Chief Muganami as secretary. Other members of the committee included Anthony Bissong Attah and Dr. Inyang Unoh.
At the end of the exercise, Godwin Assam Effa emerged as State Chairman. Other elected officials include Asuquo Ekpo as State Secretary, John Jallo Egbeji as Deputy Chairman, Paul Effiom Edet, Eja Martins Titia, Etim O. Umoren, Andrew Okwoche, David Ekpo, Christabel Kosang, Michael Anese and Charles Samuel.
Also elected were John Akoramit as Vice Chairman South, Fijian Uninke Akpake as Vice Chairman North and Cosmos Efeghe as Vice Chairman Central, alongside 51 other executive members.
In his acceptance speech, Effa described his emergence as a new beginning for the party in the state, stressing the need to harness the energy of young people while drawing from the experience of older members.
He said the moment represented a collective resolve to rebuild values and restore confidence in the party, adding that the new leadership would prioritise inclusiveness, transparency and grassroots engagement.
Effa pledged to transform the party into a platform of opportunity by embracing all demographics, strengthening internal democracy and promoting accountability in leadership. He also outlined plans to reposition Cross River State as a hub of progress and opportunity.
The new chairman commended party leaders, including Liyel Imoke and Usani Usani, for their support and called on members to unite in rebuilding the party.
With the successful conclusion of the congress, the ADC in Cross River State is expected to intensify grassroots mobilisation and reconciliation efforts as it prepares for the 2027 political contest.