The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Enugu State has been thrown into a leadership crisis just days after former Governor Okwesilieze Nwodo predicted the party would “shock” the South-East in 2027. In a stinging communiqué released Monday, January 19, 2026, the party’s state organs declared that Nwodo is not a card-carrying member and accused him of leading a plot to destabilize the party.
The “External Hijack” Allegation
The communiqué, signed by all 17 local government chairmen and the State Working Committee, claims that “non-party actors” have been holding illegal meetings in private residences. These individuals are allegedly parading themselves as leaders and making decisions on zoning and party positions without official authorization.
The party’s main grievances include:
- Illegal Leadership: Allegations that Chief Nwodo is supervising these meetings despite never formally resigning from his previous party (PDP).
- Bypassing Authority: Reports of zoning and position-sharing carried out without the involvement of National Working Committee members like Barr. Kenneth Okonkwo and Hon. Fidel Ayogu.
- Constitutional Breach: The party described these actions as a “gross violation of internal democracy” and the ADC’s transition guidelines.
“You cannot shave a man’s head in his absence. Any decision, zoning, or restructuring undertaken outside stipulated guidelines is null, void, and of no effect,” the communiqué stated.
“ADC is Not For Sale”
The Enugu chapter was particularly firm in distancing itself from any individuals whose loyalties might lie with the APC-led government in Enugu State. The leadership maintained that the party would not be used as a “political proxy” or a vehicle for clandestine external interests.
The Peter Obi Factor
This internal friction comes at a high-stakes moment for the ADC. Late in 2025, former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi officially aligned with the ADC as part of a broader coalition to challenge the APC in 2027. While Nwodo has publicly championed the “Obidient Movement” and the ADC as the alternative for 2027, the local party structure seems wary of “heavyweight” newcomers taking over the reins without following due process.
Next Steps
The Enugu ADC has formally petitioned the National Leadership (led by National Chairman Sen. David Mark) to intervene urgently and enforce strict compliance with the party constitution to safeguard its integrity ahead of the 2026 local elections and the 2027 general cycle.
