Mobile Police officers in Calabar on Tuesday, March 10, sealed off a venue scheduled for the inauguration of a membership registration, mobilisation, and revalidation committee of the African Democratic Congress.
The party had planned to inaugurate the committee, led by Eko Alobo, ahead of its primaries at an event centre along Marian Road by 10:00 a.m. The committee was set up to coordinate membership registration and mobilisation activities across the state.
However, as early as 7:00 a.m., armed police reportedly cordoned off the venue, preventing party members from entering. Sources close to the security operatives indicated that the action followed orders issued after a petition was submitted by some party members.
Efforts to resolve the standoff at the venue were unsuccessful, despite interventions by senior party officials. Among those involved in discussions with security authorities were the party’s South-South Zonal Vice Chairman, Usani Uguru Usani, and Bassey Eko Ewa.
The leaders reportedly met with the state Commissioner of Police in an attempt to address the situation. Following the development, the inauguration was relocated to the residence of Usani Uguru Usani, where a large number of party supporters later gathered.
