Calaba – 20th October 2026
The appearance of Mr Godwin Akpama, identified as the Cross River State Chairman of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), on an alleged APC campaign council list raises important questions about party loyalty, political accountability and the relationship between Nigeria’s ruling party and the opposition.
If the listing is authentic, the immediate questions are whether Akpama accepted the appointment, whether his name was included with his knowledge, and whether the NDC leadership has sought an explanation.
The broader democratic concern is also significant: a healthy democracy requires a credible opposition that can scrutinise the government, offer alternative policies and hold those in poThe broader democratic concern is also significant: a healthy democracy requires a credible opposition that can scrutinise the government, offer alternative policies and hold those in power accountable. However, an individual’s appearance on another party’s list does not, by itself, establish a coordinated plan to weaken the opposition or prove President Bola Tinubu’s intentions.
The reported appearance of Goddie Akpama, chairman of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Cross River State, on an All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign council list has raised fresh questions about political loyalty, internal party discipline and the future of opposition politics in Nigeria.
The development, if confirmed, could place the NDC leadership under pressure to clarify whether the state chairman has any formal relationship with the ruling party’s campaign structure and whether the listing was made with his consent.
The NDC has positioned itself as an opposition platform ahead of the 2027 general elections. Any verified involvement of a serving state chairman in another party’s campaign activities would therefore raise legitimate questions about compliance with the party’s rules and its commitment to its political programme.
A controversy that predates the latest development
The reported listing comes against the background of an earlier leadership dispute within the Cross River NDC. In June 2026, the state executive council reportedly passed a vote of no confidence in Akpama, alleging anti-party activities, a conflict of interest and other internal governance concerns. Those allegations were made by party officials and should not be treated as independently established findings.
The latest report could intensify those tensions, making a formal response from both Akpama and the party’s national leadership particularly important.
Is the opposition facing a credibility challenge?
The controversy also raises a broader question about Nigeria’s multiparty democracy. Opposition parties are expected to provide alternative policies, scrutinise government decisions and give voters meaningful choices at the ballot box.
However, allegations that opposition figures are cooperating with the ruling party must be investigated on their evidence rather than automatically interpreted as proof of a coordinated plan by President Bola Tinubu to destroy opposition parties.
A name appearing on a campaign list does not, on its own, establish that the individual accepted an appointment or participated in campaign activities.
What should the NDC leadership do?
The national leadership of the NDC faces several questions that require clear answers:
* Verification: Is the list authentic, and does it contain the name of the Cross River NDC chairman?
* Explanation: Has Akpama acknowledged the listing or explained his relationship with the APC campaign structure?
* Party discipline: If active participation in another party’s campaign is established, what do the NDC constitution and disciplinary procedures prescribe?
* Public accountability: Will the national leadership issue a statement clarifying its position and the status of its Cross River chapter?
A transparent investigation would help protect the party’s credibility while ensuring that any disciplinary action is based on evidence and due process.
The central democratic question remains: How can Nigeria sustain a credible multiparty system if political parties cannot clearly define their loyalties, enforce their rules and hold their officials accountable?
Verification note: I found reports of earlier internal disputes involving Akpama, but I could not independently verify the specific APC campaign council list mentioned in this report. The alleged listing should therefore be confirmed before publication as an established fact.
