ADC In Turmoil In Ebonyi As Chairmanship Row Deepens Ahead Of 2027
Nkechinyere Ewa
A fresh political storm has erupted within the Ebonyi State chapter of the (ADC), as early permutations ahead of the 2027 general elections trigger a deepening crisis over the party’s chairmanship position.
The crisis, which came to the fore during a high-level caucus meeting convened at the residence of former governor, , has exposed widening cracks within the party’s leadership and grassroots structure, raising fears of a possible implosion if urgent reconciliation efforts are not initiated.
The dispute stems from the reported zoning of the state chairmanship to Ebonyi South, a move that has angered party loyalists, particularly as the tenure of the incumbent chairman, , has not yet elapsed.
The development is coming on the heels of a strong show of support for the incumbent, as members of the State Working Committee of the party had, on Monday, passed a vote of confidence on Adibe-Nwafor and endorsed her for a second term ahead of 2027.
The endorsement was made during a State Executive Council (SEC) meeting held at the party’s secretariat along the Abakaliki-Enugu Expressway, where stakeholders commended her leadership style, describing it as inclusive and unifying.
Moving the motion, the Ohaukwu Local Government Area Chairman of the party, Engr. Ephraim Eze, praised Adibe-Nwafor for fostering cohesion among members drawn from different political backgrounds within the coalition.
He noted that since the formation of the coalition, the chairman had ensured fairness and equal treatment for all members, irrespective of their former affiliations with parties such as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), or ADC.
Eze further explained that the endorsement aligns with the party’s zoning arrangement, which supports the emergence of the state chairman from Ebonyi Central for balance and equity.
The motion was seconded by the State Youth Leader, Comrade Nwankwo Ikechukwu, who emphasised the need to sustain unity within the party and adhere strictly to the zoning formula.
The vote of confidence was unanimously adopted by SEC members, including local government chairmen from all 13 councils and some of their secretaries.
Responding, Adibe-Nwafor expressed appreciation for the confidence reposed in her leadership and pledged to continue working with stakeholders to reposition the party for victory in the 2027 general elections.
However, the announcement, said to have been made by some caucus members during the meeting at ’s residence, sparked outrage among stakeholders, with a section staging a dramatic walkout while chanting “No Jennifer, No ADC in Ebonyi,” in protest against what they described as injustice and imposition.
The development has since heightened tensions within the party, with factions emerging and no fewer than four aspirants reportedly jostling to take over the leadership position, including a former publicity secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.
Addressing supporters amid the unrest, Adibe-Nwafor expressed gratitude to loyalists who stood by her, describing their actions as a defence of equity, justice and internal democracy.
“I want to thank you for standing for equity and fairness. You did not allow our labour to be in vain,” she said, reaffirming her commitment to due process within the party.
She maintained that her tenure, expected to end on May 22, 2026, remains valid, stressing that any attempt to truncate it through imposition would be resisted.
The embattled chairman also rejected moves to adopt a consensus candidate, insisting instead on a transparent electoral process.
“We are not accepting consensus. Let there be election. Anybody who wins takes it. Consensus must not be used as a tool for imposition,” she declared.
Adibe-Nwafor further argued that, in line with principles of equity, the chairmanship position should remain in Ebonyi Central, considering the existing zoning arrangement of other key political offices within the state.
She also raised concerns over gender representation, noting that women remain underrepresented in party leadership despite constitutional provisions recommending at least 35 per cent inclusion.
“As one of the only two female state chairmen in the country, justice demands that women should not be sidelined at this stage,” she added.
Beyond the zoning dispute, the chairman accused unnamed party leaders of withholding critical materials, including the membership register, thereby frustrating grassroots mobilisation efforts.
According to her, while other states have distributed party registers to facilitate membership drives, Ebonyi’s register remains in private custody a development she described as detrimental to the party’s growth.
Despite the internal wrangling, Adibe-Nwafor maintained that the Ebonyi ADC remains committed to the broader coalition movement aimed at repositioning Nigeria’s political landscape.
She reaffirmed the state chapter’s support for the party’s national leadership under , while also aligning with the Southeast political direction championed by .
A party chieftain, Ikechukwu Nwobo , in his remarks, delivered a blunt assessment of the situation, warning that failure to uphold internal democracy could spell doom for the party in the state.
“I have no pact with anybody but with justice. If justice is not done, I will excuse myself,” he stated.
Nwobo cautioned against replicating the failures of other political parties, stressing that the ADC must distinguish itself through fairness, inclusiveness and transparency.
“We cannot claim to be agents of change and yet practice the same injustice we criticise. If we don’t get it right internally, we will lose woefully,” he warned.
He further emphasised the need for broad-based consultation within the coalition framework, noting that the ADC comprises diverse political interests that must be adequately represented in decision-making processes.
The party stalwart also issued a veiled warning that aggrieved stakeholders could withdraw support if sidelined a scenario he said could cripple the party’s chances in Ebonyi State.
Meanwhile, a political analyst, Agbo David, observed that the unfolding drama underscores the challenges facing emerging coalitions in managing competing interests ahead of a high-stakes electoral cycle.
With 2027 fast approaching, analysts say the ability of the ADC leadership to navigate the current turmoil and restore unity may ultimately determine the party’s viability as a formidable political force in Ebonyi State and beyond.
