Tensions within the Ebonyi State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) have escalated after State Chairman Dr. Jennifer Adibe-Nwafor and key stakeholders rejected attempts to enforce a consensus arrangement ahead of the party’s upcoming congresses. Addressing members at the state secretariat in Abakaliki, Adibe-Nwafor emphasized that internal democracy must take precedence over political expediency, calling for a transparent electoral process where all qualified candidates can compete.
The state chairman confirmed that her mandate remains valid until May 2026 and warned that forced leadership selections could destabilize the party’s operations in the region. Citing recent zoning allocations, she noted that the governorship and deputy governorship positions have been assigned to the northern and southern senatorial zones, making it equitable to reserve the state chairmanship for Ebonyi Central. Adibe-Nwafor also highlighted structural gaps within the chapter, including the underrepresentation of women in executive roles despite the party’s constitutionally mandated 35 percent affirmative action policy. She further raised operational concerns, alleging that official membership registers remain in private custody rather than being distributed for verification, which has hindered grassroots mobilization.
Her position received public backing from party stakeholder Barrister Emmanuel Nwobo, who cautioned that excluding founding members and critical contributors from decision-making would weaken the ADC’s organizational capacity. According to party sources, the dispute intensified during a stakeholders’ forum in Umebeh, Ezzamgbo, where the chairman and her supporters walked out following allegations of candidate imposition attempts by rival factions.
Despite internal disagreements, the Ebonyi chapter leadership maintained its alignment with national executives and broader coalition objectives aimed at strengthening electoral performance. Internal consultations are ongoing as party officials work to resolve leadership disputes and finalize procedural guidelines. The resolution of these administrative and structural matters will determine the chapter’s readiness and cohesion ahead of the scheduled party congresses.
