Chaos in Enugu ADC as rival congresses produce three chairmen

The crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Enugu State took a dramatic turn on Saturday, with three different factions organising parallel congresses and producing separate state chairmen.

What had been a lingering leadership dispute has now snowballed into a full-blown division, following the recent influx of political blocs into the party under its national leadership. The situation worsened amid disagreements over control of the state party structure.

At the centre of the early tension was a reported move by defectors from the Labour Party (LP) to unseat the sitting state chairman, Stella Chukwuma. Though she initially held her ground with backing from core party loyalists, insiders now say she has aligned herself with another faction said to be loyal to Ibe Kachikwu, which claims to represent the party's original base.

Efforts to get her reaction were unsuccessful, as she briefly responded that she was on a flight and unable to speak.

Elsewhere in Enugu, a second bloc believed to be sympathetic to Peter Obi held its congress in Emene, where Professor Austin Akubue emerged as chairman. The group is said to enjoy the support of notable figures, including former governor Dr Okwesilieze Nwodo and Chief Chinyeaka Ohaa.

The Emene gathering, however, was not without controversy. Former senator Gil Nnaji reportedly made a short appearance but left abruptly, objecting to the composition of the proposed executive list.

At the same time, a third faction, reportedly aligned with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, convened at a hotel in Independence Layout. Delegates there elected retired General Chris Eze, a former ambassador to India and ex-state secretary of the APC, as chairman through a voice vote.

His executive team includes Prince Acharabuagu Kingsley as Vice Chairman for Enugu North and Lolo Queen Nwankwo as Organising Secretary.

In his remarks, Eze promised an inclusive leadership style, assuring members that his camp would accommodate all interests and provide a fair playing field for aspirants ahead of future primaries.

In a statement issued by Comrade Adolphus Udeh, Eze further declared that the ADC is positioning itself to take over power in Enugu State in the 2027 general elections, with a vision to establish a people-oriented and grassroots-driven government capable of delivering democratic dividends.