The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ebonyi State has dismissed the Africa Democratic Congress (ADC) for holding a parallel state congress that produced two competing state chairmen, Silas Onu and Jennifer Adibe Nwafor, ahead of the 2027 general elections. The development has sparked internal turmoil within the opposition party, prompting APC to highlight its own unity and readiness for the upcoming polls. The ADC’s fractured leadership emerged after two separate factions convened their own state congresses, each claiming legitimacy and electing different leaders.
One faction, led by Barr. Silas Onu, held its congress at Preston Hotel in Abakaliki on Saturday. In his acceptance speech, Onu declared that under his leadership, ADC would challenge the APC and wrestle power from them in 2027. He emphasized that the party would field candidates for all positions, including the governorship, and vowed to not only contest but defeat the ruling party. Onu’s remarks were met with ridicule from APC, which accused the ADC of being in disarray and unfit to lead.
In response, Chief Stanley Okoro-Emegha, the APC State Chairman, urged the ADC to focus on resolving its internal conflicts rather than making empty threats about the 2027 elections. Speaking through his Special Assistant on Media and Public Affairs, Prince Chijioke Agwu, Okoro-Emegha questioned the authenticity of both Onu and Nwafor’s claims to the state chairmanship. He pointed out that APC has a single, undisputed leader, emphasizing that party unity is a key indicator of electoral readiness.
Okoro-Emegha stressed that the ADC’s inability to present a united front undermines its credibility and weakens its chances in future elections. He challenged the opposition to first clarify who their genuine state chairman is before making political promises to the people of Ebonyi. “In APC, our Chairman is Chief Stanley Okoro-Emegha; and there is no other person making claims to his position,” he said, underscoring the party’s internal cohesion.
The APC leader also expressed confidence in Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru’s leadership, asserting that Ebonyi people are satisfied with the current administration and will reaffirm their support in 2027. He urged the ADC to stop wasting energy on rhetoric and instead concentrate on healing its divisions at both state and national levels. The party’s stance reflects a broader strategy of projecting stability and governance competence in contrast to the opposition’s internal chaos.
As the 2027 elections approach, the political landscape in Ebonyi State is increasingly defined by leadership clarity and organizational strength. The ADC’s internal crisis may hinder its ability to mount a credible challenge, while APC continues to position itself as the party of unity and progress. The coming months will reveal whether the opposition can reconcile its factions or remain divided, potentially affecting its electoral prospects.
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