Former governorship candidate of the opposition African Democratic Congress, ADC, in Cross River State, Dr. Effiong Nyong, has dismissed claims that the party is secretly working for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
Nyong, a leading figure of the ADC in the state, described the allegation as mere political speculation aimed at undermining the party’s growing influence ahead of the general elections.
Speaking in an interview in Calabar, he insisted that the ADC remained independent and focused on positioning itself as a viable alternative platform capable of participating fully in the 2027 polls.
According to him, cordial relationships among politicians across party lines should not be mistaken for political alignment or compromise.
Nyong said an ADC-led administration in Cross River would focus on reforms in the civil service, education and sports sectors, with emphasis on restoring merit, discipline and institutional efficiency in governance.
He criticised the administration of Governor Bassey Otu, describing it as retrogressive and below expectations.
According to him, Cross River has steadily lost its standing in key sectors such as education, tourism, sports and public administration.
Reflecting on the state’s past, Nyong lamented what he termed the gradual erosion of achievements that once made Cross River a leading destination for quality education in Nigeria.
“I schooled in Cross River State when people came from different parts of the country because they were certain of getting quality education. Today, can we still say the same? The answer is no,” he said.
He also decried the decline of tourism and sports development in the state, recalling the era when Rovers Football Club ranked among Nigeria’s most celebrated football clubs.
Nyong argued that despite substantial federal allocations and economic assets available to the state, there had been little visible development to justify the resources received.
“Cross River receives substantial revenue, yet there is little to show in terms of development compared to other states with fewer resources,” he stated.
He further identified the civil service as one of the sectors weakened by political interference, alleging that professionalism and efficiency had been undermined.
“What we have Today is a weakened civil service system. Offices are empty, records are poorly managed, and merit has been sacrificed for political loyalty,” he added.
The ADC chieftain linked rising youth restiveness and insecurity to years of neglect in education, sports and job creation, maintaining that the party remained committed to providing accountable leadership and sustainable development in the state.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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