A fresh leadership crisis has emerged within the Ebonyi State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as party stakeholders resist what they describe as attempts to impose candidates ahead of the party’s upcoming congresses.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting held at the party secretariat in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi ADC State Chairman, Jennifer Adibe-Nwafor, emphasized the need for transparency and fairness in the party’s internal processes.
Adibe-Nwafor thanked party members for their continued support but warned that the party must protect internal democracy rather than allow political convenience to determine its leadership structure.
She insisted that every interested member should be allowed to obtain nomination forms and participate in a transparent election rather than adopting an imposed consensus arrangement.
According to her, any attempt to sideline aspirants or impose candidates could destabilize the party ahead of future elections.
The Ebonyi ADC chairman also addressed concerns about zoning arrangements within the party. She argued that the position of state chairman should be zoned to the Ebonyi Central senatorial district for fairness and equity.
Adibe-Nwafor noted that if the governorship ticket is zoned to the northern part of the state while the deputy position goes to the southern zone, the chairmanship position should logically be allocated to the central zone to maintain balance.
She added that anything contrary to this arrangement could undermine the party’s principles of justice and inclusion.
The chairman clarified that her current tenure remains valid until May 22, 2026, and reaffirmed her commitment to working with the party’s national leadership as well as ongoing coalition efforts aimed at strengthening the party nationally.
She explained that the ultimate goal of the party is to build a strong political platform capable of delivering democratic dividends to Nigerians, especially as preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections.
Adibe-Nwafor also raised concerns over the limited participation of women in party leadership positions across the country.
She pointed out that despite provisions in the party’s constitution supporting 35 percent affirmative action for women, only a few female leaders currently occupy state chairmanship positions nationwide.
The ADC chairman further expressed dissatisfaction over alleged delays in membership registration in Ebonyi State.
She accused some individuals of keeping the party register in private custody, a development she said is slowing down grassroots mobilization and membership expansion across the state.
She urged party members to intensify efforts to strengthen the party’s grassroots structure ahead of the forthcoming congresses.
Supporting the chairman’s position, party chieftain Emmanuel Nwobo cautioned that ignoring fairness and inclusivity could damage the party’s future in Ebonyi State.
He stressed that a party that fails to practice democracy internally cannot credibly promise democratic governance to Nigerians.
Nwobo warned that sidelining founding members and major stakeholders could weaken the party structure and discourage loyal supporters.
Sources within the party revealed that tensions escalated during an expanded stakeholders’ meeting held in Umebeh community, Ezzamgbo, located in Ohaukwu Local Government Area.
The meeting reportedly took place at the residence of a former governor of Ebonyi State, where disagreements over alleged candidate imposition led to a walkout by the state chairman and her supporters.
Party leaders including Charles Uzor and Benjis Otubo acknowledged that the situation reflects growing tension within the Ebonyi ADC.
They noted that consultations among party stakeholders are ongoing in a bid to resolve the dispute and ensure unity ahead of the party’s congresses and the 2027 elections.
Stay updated with Ebonyi News Network for real-time reports, in-depth analysis, and exclusive coverage of policies shaping Ebonyi State.
