By By Micheal Chukwuebuka
A deepening leadership crisis has engulfed the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Enugu State, following the emergence of three parallel state chairmen after separate congresses held on Saturday.
The development underscores lingering divisions within the party, which have persisted since the coalition of various political groups that merged into the ADC under the national leadership of David Mark.
At the centre of the dispute is a prolonged power tussle between former members of the Labour Party and the original ADC structure in the state.
The former had sought to unseat the incumbent state chairman, Mrs Stella Chukwuma, but were resisted by founding members and other stakeholders who backed her continued leadership.
However, amid mounting pressure from national interests within the party, Mrs Chukwuma was reportedly compelled to align with a faction linked to Ibe Kachikwu, which claims legitimacy as the authentic ADC structure.
Efforts to obtain her reaction were unsuccessful, as she told journalists she was aboard a flight at the time of contact.
Meanwhile, a faction said to be loyal to presidential aspirant Peter Obi conducted its congress in Emene, producing Prof. Austin Akubue as state chairman.
The group is believed to have the backing of prominent political figures, including former Enugu State governor Okwesilieze Nwodo, former senator Gil Nnaji, and Chief Chinyeaka Ohaa.
Mr Nnaji, who briefly attended the congress, reportedly exited the venue in protest over the composition of the party’s executive list.
In a separate development, another faction aligned with former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar held its congress at a hotel in Independence Layout, electing retired General Chris Eze as state chairman through a voice vote.
Eze, a former state secretary of the All Progressives Congress and ex-ambassador to India, emerged alongside Prince Acharabuagu Kingsley as Vice Chairman for Enugu North Zone and Lolo Queen N. Nwankwo as State Organising Secretary.
In his acceptance speech, Eze pledged to lead an inclusive administration, assuring party members and aspirants of a level playing field in the forthcoming primaries.
In a statement issued by Comrade Adolphus Udeh, the faction expressed confidence in the ADC’s prospects, declaring its ambition to take control of Enugu State in the 2027 general elections with a grassroots-driven and people-oriented governance agenda.
The parallel congresses and competing leadership claims signal a worsening internal crisis that could undermine the party’s cohesion ahead of future electoral contests.
What's your reaction?
