The African Democratic Congress (ADC), Enugu State Chapter, has unequivocally rejected and condemned what it described as a calculated attempt by non-members and external interests to hijack, destabilise, and compromise the party’s structure and political direction in the state.

The party’s position was contained in a strongly worded communiqué issued following a unanimous joint resolution of all the 17 Local Government Party Chairmen, members of the State Working Committee (SWC), and the three Senatorial Zonal Chairmen of the ADC in Enugu State.

In the communiqué, the party accused unnamed external actors of plotting to unlawfully seize the leadership and structures of the ADC with the alleged intention of deploying the party as a proxy to advance the interests of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.

The ADC described the alleged plot as “desperate and well-orchestrated,” warning that it mirrors past developments that led to internal crises and near collapse of other political parties.

According to the communiqué, credible intelligence reports revealed that certain individuals, who are neither registered members of the ADC nor recognised coalition partners, have allegedly been convening illegal meetings in private residences while falsely presenting themselves as party leaders.

The party further alleged that these activities were being carried out under the influence and supervision of former Governor of Enugu State, Chief Okwesilieze Nwodo, whom it said has neither formally resigned from his former political party nor registered as a card-carrying member of the ADC.

Raising further concerns, the ADC Enugu State Chapter disclosed reports of alleged illegal zoning, sharing, and allocation of party positions by these same external elements, purportedly without the knowledge, consent, or authorisation of the party’s recognised national officers from the state—Hon. Barrister Kenneth Okonkwo, a member of the National Working Committee (NWC), and Hon. Fidel Ayogu.

The party described such actions as a gross violation of the ADC Constitution, internal democracy, party transition guidelines, and the agreed coalition framework.

Particularly disturbing, according to the communiqué, was the claim that in Enugu East Senatorial Zone, the alleged zoning and sharing of party positions were carried out without the knowledge or consent of the recognised leader of the party and coalition in the zone, Distinguished Senator Gilbert Nnaji. The ADC State Chairman, the communiqué added, was also reportedly unaware of such arrangements.

“This reckless disregard for party hierarchy, constituted authority, and leadership structures is intolerable and will not be condoned,” the communiqué stated.

Invoking the principle that “you cannot shave a man’s head in his absence,” the party declared all decisions, zoning, sharing, or restructuring undertaken outside the ADC Transition Guidelines as null, void, illegal, and of no effect.

Consequently, the ADC Enugu State Chapter categorically rejected any zoning or leadership arrangement initiated by non-members, any collaboration with individuals who have not formally resigned from other political parties, and any attempt to use the ADC to advance the interests of the APC-led government in Enugu State.

The party also rejected any action that contravenes its constitution, transition guidelines, or coalition agreements.

Reaffirming its stance, the ADC declared that the party “is not for sale, will not be hijacked, and will never be compromised,” stressing that it is founded on discipline, ideology, internal democracy, rule of law, and respect for due process.

The Enugu State Chapter called on the national leadership of the ADC to urgently intervene, enforce strict compliance with party rules and coalition guidelines, and safeguard the integrity of the party.

The communiqué concluded with a pledge by the ADC in Enugu State to remain united, resolute, and committed to building a strong, credible, disciplined, and people-oriented opposition party that reflects the democratic aspirations of the people of the state.

The communiqué was jointly and unanimously issued by all 17 Local Government Party Chairmen, all members of the State Working Committee, and all three Senatorial Zonal Chairmen of the African Democratic Congress, Enugu State Chapter.