APC Mocks ADC Over Parallel Congresses and Leadership Crisis in Ebonyi State
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ebonyi State has publicly mocked the opposition Africa Democratic Congress (ADC) following the conduct of parallel state congresses that resulted in separate and conflicting leadership structures within the state. This political development has sparked significant controversy and internal discord within the ADC, drawing sharp criticism from the ruling party.
Conflicting Leadership Structures Emerge from ADC Factions
During the parallel congresses held recently, one faction of the ADC elected Barr. Silas Onu as the state chairman, while another faction produced Mrs. Jennifer Adibe Nwafor as the state chairman. This dual leadership scenario has created confusion and raised questions about the party's unity and organizational integrity ahead of future elections.
In his acceptance speech at a factional congress held at Preston Hotel in Abakaliki on Saturday, Barr. Silas Onu expressed unwavering confidence that the ADC under his leadership would effectively challenge the APC and take control of power in the 2027 general elections. He highlighted what he described as "serious commotion" within the opposition ranks, noting that the party was already in a state of fear due to the calibre of individuals involved in its leadership structure in Ebonyi State.
"We shall field candidates for all positions, including the governorship. We will not only contend with them, we shall defeat them," Onu declared emphatically, outlining an ambitious electoral strategy aimed at unseating the incumbent APC administration.
APC Response and Call for Internal Resolution
In a swift and dismissive response, the Ebonyi State Chairman of the APC, Chief Stanley Okoro-Emegha, urged the ADC to focus on resolving its internal disputes before making claims about the 2027 elections. Speaking through his Special Assistant on Media and Public Affairs, Prince Chijioke Agwu, Okoro-Emegha emphasized that the opposition party should first address its leadership crisis before engaging in electoral rhetoric.
"Ebonyi ADC should, first of all, resolve its internal crises before talking about the 2027 elections," he stated firmly. He further questioned the legitimacy of the parallel leadership structures, directly asking the party to clarify who its authentic state chairman is between Silas Onu and Jennifer Adibe Nwafor.
Okoro-Emegha contrasted this with the APC's unified structure, stating, "In APC, our chairman is Chief Stanley Okoro-Emegha, and there is no other person laying claim to the position. That is how to know a party that is ready for elections." He advised the ADC factions to redirect their energy from focusing on the APC or the 2027 elections toward resolving their internal challenges at both state and national levels.
Confidence in Current Administration and Future Elections
The APC chairman added that the people of Ebonyi State remain satisfied with Governor Francis Nwifuru and the APC administration, expressing strong confidence that this public satisfaction would be clearly reflected in the outcome of the 2027 elections. This statement underscores the ruling party's belief in its continued political dominance and the effectiveness of its governance in the state.
The ongoing situation highlights significant internal fractures within the ADC and raises important questions about its ability to present a united front against the well-established APC in future electoral contests. Political analysts suggest that such internal conflicts could weaken the opposition's chances and strengthen the APC's position unless promptly and effectively addressed.
