APC Mocks ADC’s Internal Crisis in Ebonyi State

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ebonyi State has addressed a leadership crisis within the opposition Africa Democratic Congress (ADC). The APC urged the ADC to prioritize resolving its internal disputes rather than making political claims in anticipation of the 2027 elections. Recently, the ADC conducted parallel state congresses that resulted in the formation of two rival leadership factions. One faction elected Barr. Silas Onu as state chairman, while the other faction chose Mrs. Jennifer Adibe Nwafor for the same position. These dual congresses, held in Abakaliki, have intensified divisions within the party and raised concerns about its organizational stability.

During his faction’s congress at Preston Hotel, Barr. Silas Onu asserted that the ADC, under his leadership, would challenge the ruling APC in the upcoming elections. He stated, “There is serious commotion in the camp of the opposition. We shall field candidates for all positions, including the governorship. We will not only contend with them; we shall beat them.” However, the APC in Ebonyi, represented by its Chairman Chief Stanley Okoro-Emegha, dismissed the ADC’s ambitions as premature. In a statement from his Special Assistant on Media and Public Affairs, Prince Chijioke Agwu, Okoro-Emegha advised the ADC to focus on internal reconciliation before making electoral announcements.

Agwu emphasized that the ADC should first resolve its internal crises before discussing the 2027 general elections. He challenged the ADC to clarify to the people of Ebonyi who their authentic state chairman is, between Adibe Nwafor and Silas Onu. He pointed out that in the APC, leadership is clear and undisputed, with Chief Okoro-Emegha recognized as the state chairman. Furthermore, Agwu urged both factions of the ADC to direct their efforts toward resolving their leadership impasse at both state and national levels, rather than concentrating on the APC or future elections. He concluded by stating that the people of Ebonyi are satisfied with Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru and the ruling APC, and they will demonstrate this support with their votes in 2027.

The leadership confusion within the ADC highlights broader challenges faced by opposition parties in Nigeria as they prepare for future electoral contests. Political analysts have noted that unresolved internal disputes could undermine the party’s credibility and electoral prospects, particularly in a state where the APC currently holds significant influence.