Ebonyi ADC Congress Crisis: Two Factions Elect Separate State Chairmen
The crisis within the Ebonyi State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) escalated dramatically on Saturday, as parallel state congresses resulted in the emergence of two separate state chairmen, deepening factional divisions and casting uncertainty over the party's leadership structure.
Parallel Congresses in Abakaliki
Two distinct congresses were conducted simultaneously in different locations across Abakaliki, the state capital. One congress reaffirmed the incumbent state chairman, Dr. Mrs. Jennifer Adibe-Nwafor, for another four-year term, while the other elected former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) state chairman, Barrister Silas Onu, as the new ADC state chairman. Both factions operated with a total of 262 delegates drawn from all 13 local government areas of Ebonyi State, with 56 officials elected through consensus during the exercises.
Nwafor's Re-election and Vision
Dr. Jennifer Adibe-Nwafor was returned unopposed through a consensus arrangement, where delegates affirmed her leadership alongside other members of the state executive committee. In her post-election address, she thanked party faithful for their participation and expressed optimism that the party would now take control of the state. Nwafor stated that her decision to seek re-election was driven by the need to align with the timelines stipulated in the Electoral Act for party primaries. She pledged to consolidate efforts to strengthen the party's structure across Ebonyi State, building on the support of members.
Key officials elected in the Adibe-Nwafor-led congress include:
- Okpara Emmanuel as Deputy Chairman
- Udoma Victor Uduma as Vice Chairman (South)
- Ebe Kingsley as Vice Chairman (Central)
- Onyeka Urazi as Vice Chairman (North)
- Mgboroko Chukwudi as State Secretary
Onu's Emergence and Criticisms
Barrister Silas Onu, speaking at Preston Luxury and Suites Hotel in Abakaliki, expressed confidence in the legitimacy of his congress and its readiness to reposition the ADC ahead of future elections. He commended party members for their orderly conduct during the ward, local government, and state congresses, declaring that the ADC in Ebonyi was gaining significant momentum. Onu criticised the ruling party in the state, alleging poor governance and mismanagement of resources, and vowed that the ADC would field credible candidates to contest and win elective positions in the 2027 general elections. He emphasised inclusive participation and grassroots mobilisation as central to the party's strategy.
Claims of Legitimacy and Denials
Chairman of the ADC Congress Committee in Ebonyi State, Uche Onyeagucha, dismissed claims of factionalisation, insisting that the congress conducted under his supervision was the only legitimate exercise recognised by the party's national leadership. He maintained that the committee was duly mandated to conduct the congress and had fulfilled its assignment in accordance with the party's constitution, describing contrary claims as false and misleading. This statement highlights the ongoing dispute over which faction holds official authority within the ADC's national framework.
The emergence of two state chairmen underscores a significant internal rift within the ADC in Ebonyi State, potentially impacting its cohesion and electoral prospects. As both factions assert their legitimacy, the situation remains fluid, with implications for party unity and future political engagements in the region.
