By Eze Victor
The Ebonyi State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has been thrown into a leadership crisis following the conduct of parallel state congresses that produced two rival executive committees, deepening divisions within the party ahead of future elections.
In one of the congresses held at the Great Aristocrat Hotel, Abakaliki, delegates re-elected Dr. Mrs. Jennifer Adibe-Nwafor as state chairman for another four-year term through a consensus arrangement.
The exercise also produced other state executive members, with party stakeholders describing the process as orderly and in line with internal guidelines.
However, in a parallel exercise held simultaneously at Preston Luxury and Suites Hotel, also in Abakaliki, a rival faction led by Barrister Silas Onu conducted its own congress, where he was also declared chairman of the party in the state. His emergence further intensified the leadership tussle within the ADC in Ebonyi.
Both camps claimed legitimacy, with supporters insisting their respective congresses were valid and conducted in accordance with party rules. The situation has effectively resulted in two competing state leadership structures, despite repeated claims by some stakeholders that the party remains united.
At the Adibe-Nwafor-led congress, electoral officials stated that delegates from the 13 local government areas participated in the process, with thousands of accredited members recorded.
Key positions such as deputy chairman, vice chairmen for the three senatorial zones, and state secretary were also filled through consensus.
Speaking after her re-election, Adibe-Nwafor said her renewed mandate reflected the confidence of party members and pledged to strengthen the party’s structures across the state. She also emphasized the need for unity and compliance with electoral provisions guiding party activities.
On the other hand, Barrister Silas Onu, addressing his supporters after being elected at the rival congress, expressed optimism about the party’s prospects, accusing the ruling establishment in the state of poor governance and promising to reposition the ADC ahead of the 2027 general elections through grassroots mobilisation.
The emergence of two parallel executives has now raised fresh questions about the authenticity of the congress outcomes, with both factions awaiting possible intervention or clarification from the party’s national leadership to resolve the escalating internal dispute.
