Donald Duke Dumps PDP Again, Joins ADC Amid Internal Party Controversy in Cross River
Former Governor of Cross River State, Donald Duke, has once again resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), formally pitching his tent with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in a move that has stirred fresh political conversations within and beyond the state.
Akahi News gathered that Duke completed his defection on Wednesday after registering as a member of the ADC in Ward 5 of Calabar Municipality, where he also collected his party membership card. The development marks his official entry into the opposition party amid growing internal debates within the ADC’s Cross River chapter.
Defection Linked to ADC Internal Disputes
Political observers believe Duke’s swift formal registration may not be unconnected to recent internal concerns within the ADC in Cross River State. Akahi News learnt that a former ADC governorship candidate in the state, Dr Effiong Nyong, had earlier written to the party’s National Chairman, protesting the inclusion of some individuals from Cross River in the ADC’s 50 Wise Men and Women Policy Manifesto Committee.
In his petition, Nyong faulted a statement credited to the ADC National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, which listed certain individuals as prominent figures associated with the party. According to Nyong, some of those named neither formally resigned from the PDP nor made tangible contributions to the ADC, urging the national leadership to review and remove their names.
Duke had reportedly been listed among influential personalities linked with the ADC before his official registration, a factor analysts say may have prompted his move to clarify his political stance.
A Familiar Pattern in Duke’s Political Journey
This is not the first time the former governor has parted ways with the PDP. Akahi News recalls that Duke previously defected to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), where he controversially emerged as the party’s presidential candidate during the 2019 election cycle, a process that generated significant debate within the party at the time.
His return to active partisan politics through the ADC is therefore seen as another strategic repositioning ahead of future political realignments.
ADC Steps Up Grassroots Mobilisation in Cross River
Meanwhile, ADC leaders in Bakassi Local Government Area have intensified calls on Cross Riverians to identify with the party, describing it as a credible and people-oriented alternative ahead of future elections.
Rising from a stakeholders’ meeting involving chapter executives, ward chairmen, and secretaries, party leaders accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of misrule, urging Nigerians to reclaim the country from what they described as years of poor governance.
In a statement jointly signed by the Bakassi Chapter Chairman, Emmanuel Asuquo, and the Secretary, Eko Boco, the party reaffirmed its loyalty to the ADC national leadership. The statement pledged unwavering support for the National Chairman, Senator David Mark, and the National Secretary, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola.
The party also urged undecided citizens across Cross River State and beyond to join what it described as the ADC’s “transformative agenda,” stressing its readiness to offer purposeful leadership and policy-driven governance.
Political Implications
Analysts say Duke’s defection could strengthen the ADC’s profile in Cross River State, given his political pedigree and past influence as governor. However, Akahi News notes that how the party manages its internal disagreements may determine whether it can fully harness the momentum generated by high-profile defections ahead of future electoral contests.
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