Crisis Rocks Ebonyi ADC As 2027 Permutations Ignite Chairmanship Battle

A fresh political storm has erupted within the Ebonyi State chapter of the (ADC), as early permutations ahead of the 2027 general elections have triggered a deepening crisis over the party’s chairmanship position.

The crisis, which unfolded during a high-level caucus meeting convened at the residence of Sam Egwu a former governor in the state 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 decision that has angered party loyalists, especially as the tenure of the incumbent chairman, Jennifer Adibe-Nwafor, has not yet elapsed.

The announcement, reportedly made by some caucus members during the meeting on Tuesday, did not go down well with a section of party stakeholders who staged a dramatic walkout, chanting “No Jennifer, No ADC in Ebonyi,” in protest against what they described as injustice and imposition.

The development has heightened tensions within the party, with multiple factions emerging and at least four aspirants said to be jostling to take over the leadership position including a former PDP publicity secretary in the state.

Adibe-Nwafor while addressing supporters amid the growing unrest, expressed gratitude to loyalists who stood by her, describing their actions as a defense of equity, justice, and internal democracy.

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“I want to thank you for standing for equity and fairness. You did not allow our labour to be in vain,” she said, while reaffirming her commitment to due process within the party.

She insisted that her tenure, which is 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 the idea of adopting a consensus candidate, calling instead for 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, especially given 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% inclusion.

“As one of the very 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 party materials, including the membership register, thereby frustrating grassroots mobilization efforts.

According to her, while other states have distributed party registers to facilitate membership drive, 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 David Mark (senator), the national chairman while also aligning with the Southeast political direction championed by Peter Obi .

Ikechukwu Nwobo a party chieftain while speaking, delivered a blunt assessment of the situation, warning that failure to uphold internal democracy could spell doom for the ADC party in Ebonyi.

“I have no pact with anybody but with justice. If justice is not done, I will excuse myself,” he stated.

Nwobo cautioned against replicating what he described as 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 criticize. If we don’t get it right internally, we will lose woefully,” he warned.

He further emphasized 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 said the unfolding drama underscores the challenges facing emerging coalitions in managing competing interests ahead of a high-stakes electoral cycle.

With 2027 fast approaching, 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.