Two parallel congresses of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Enugu State have produced separate factional chairmen and executive committees, deepening the leadership crisis within the party.
The rival congresses took place on Saturday at different venues within Enugu metropolis. Major General Chris Eze (retired) emerged as chairman of one faction, while Professor Austine Akulue was returned as chairman of the other. Both men hail from the Enugu North Senatorial District, to which the chairmanship position is zoned.
In his acceptance speech, Mr Eze pledged to take the ADC in Enugu State to a higher level. He described leading the party as a serious responsibility but assured faithful members that challenges would be overcome.
The retired general promised to run the party with “absolute integrity, incorruptibility, and transparency.”
“I will not accept any inducement from any source whatsoever to do anything that will negatively impact the party,” he said. “I will not spare any member of the party’s executive at any level in Enugu State who accepts such inducement.”
Meanwhile, the party’s incumbent state chairperson, Mrs Stella Chukwuma, has distanced herself and her executives from both congresses. She maintained that ADC congresses in Enugu State remain suspended.
“That is the only thing I can say for now,” Mrs Chukwuma said, declining further comment.
