The crisis rocking the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Enugu State escalated dramatically on Saturday, as three rival factions conducted parallel congresses across different locations, each producing its own state chairman in a deepening leadership tussle.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!What began as an internal disagreement has now degenerated into a full-blown division, fueled by the recent influx of political blocs into the party under its national leadership. The struggle for control of the state party structure has further intensified tensions among stakeholders.
At the heart of the early dispute was an alleged attempt by defectors from the Labour Party (LP) to displace the incumbent state chairman, Stella Chukwuma. Although she initially resisted the move with the backing of loyal party members, sources within the party now indicate that she has aligned with a faction reportedly loyal to Ibe Kachikwu, which claims to represent the party’s original structure.
Attempts to obtain her comments proved abortive, as she briefly indicated she was on a flight and unavailable to speak further.
In a separate development, another faction believed to be aligned with Peter Obi held its congress in Emene, where Professor Austin Akubue emerged as chairman. The bloc is said to have the backing of prominent figures, including former Enugu State Governor Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo and Chief Chinyeaka Ohaa.
However, the Emene congress was not without controversy. Former Senator Gil Nnaji reportedly made a brief appearance but exited the venue abruptly, citing concerns over the composition of the proposed executive list.
Meanwhile, a third faction, reportedly loyal to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, convened its congress at a hotel in Independence Layout. Delegates at the meeting elected retired General Chris Eze—former Nigerian Ambassador to India and ex-state secretary of the APC—as state chairman through a voice vote.
Eze’s executive committee includes Prince Acharabuagu Kingsley as Vice Chairman for Enugu North and Lolo Queen Nwankwo as Organising Secretary.
In his acceptance remarks, Eze pledged to run an inclusive administration that would accommodate diverse interests within the party, while assuring aspirants of a level playing ground in future primaries.
In a statement issued by Comrade Adolphus Udeh, Eze further declared that the ADC is strategically positioning itself to take over power in Enugu State in the 2027 general elections. He emphasized the party’s commitment to building a people-oriented and grassroots-driven government capable of delivering meaningful democratic dividends.
The unfolding developments signal a critical juncture for the ADC in Enugu, as the party grapples with internal fragmentation that could significantly shape its political fortunes ahead of the next electoral cycle.