Crisis Rocks Ebonyi ADC as Faction Disputes Leadership, Alleges Hijack Plot

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Ebonyi State has been plunged into a fresh round of internal crisis following a bitter war of words over the authenticity of the party’s leadership and alleged attempts to destabilize its ranks.

In a strongly worded rejoinder issued on Thursday, a coalition of concerned ADC stakeholders accused Comrade Emeka Chiefo, a former party official, of peddling falsehoods aimed at hijacking the party structure.

Chiefo had, in a statement circulated by Asiwaju Media, claimed that the ADC’s Ebonyi State leadership had been dissolved and replaced with an interim committee. He further alleged that Dr. Adibe Jennifer Nwafor, the state chairperson, was an impostor planted by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to undermine the party.

But in the rejoinder, ADC stakeholders described the claims as “unsubstantiated,” “reckless,” and “fictitious,” insisting that Dr. Adibe remains the duly elected and INEC-certified state chairperson.

“Contrary to the speculations by Emeka Chiefo, Dr. Adibe Jennifer Nwafor was duly elected in a well-monitored congress in 2022, in line with the party constitution and INEC guidelines,” the statement read.

“The African Democratic Congress has not declared any dissolution of its structures either at the national or state level. The purported claim of an ‘interim leadership’ is a figment of his imagination.”

The rejoinder also dismissed as defamatory the allegation that Dr. Adibe was working at the behest of the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi.

“Dr. Adibe remains a loyal, founding, and committed member of ADC, and her antecedents speak volumes of her integrity, political neutrality, and dedication to grassroots development,” it stated.

The statement accused Chiefo of seeking to sow confusion for personal gain, noting that he had “faded out of relevance within the party due to his divisive tendencies and non-performance.”

Party insiders say the dispute reflects a broader struggle for control ahead of the 2027 general elections, with various actors seeking to consolidate influence and secure the party’s structure in the state.

Despite the crisis, ADC stakeholders reiterated that the party remains “strong and united under the leadership of Dr. Adibe,” and called on supporters to disregard Chiefo’s “baseless propaganda.”

“ADC is not for sale. It is not a one-man affair. It is a democratic institution governed by rules, structures, and values,” the statement concluded.