By Our Correspondent
The Rivers and Imo State chapters of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) have distanced themselves from two separate suits purportedly filed on behalf of state chairmen and executive committees across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory against the party’s national leadership.
The Lagos State chapter had earlier dissociated itself from the suit allegedly filed by its Abia and FCT counterparts, Don Norman and Clement Ehigiator, describing the action as frivolous and unrepresentative.
In a statement issued in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State Chairman, Ambassador Leader Samson, said the suit was filed without consultation or authorization from the state chapter. He emphasized that the action was a personal decision of its sponsors and does not reflect the position of the party in Rivers State.
The Rivers chapter reaffirmed its commitment to internal democracy, the rule of law, stability, and unity within the party, while noting that although members have the right to pursue legal action, such moves must not be misconstrued as the official stance of the party.
Similarly, the Imo State chapter rejected claims of involvement in a separate suit reportedly filed by state chairmen against the national leadership.
In a statement signed by the State Chairman, Professor James Okoroma, the chapter clarified that neither the party nor its leadership in Imo was a party to the suit.
While acknowledging the constitutional rights of individuals, the Imo chapter warned against actions by what it described as “fifth columnists and mischief makers” seeking to distract the party and undermine democratic processes.
Professor Okoroma reaffirmed the chapter’s loyalty to the national leadership under Senator David Mark and expressed confidence in resolving grievances through internal mechanisms.
He further stressed that failure to exhaust internal dispute resolution channels would not be tolerated.
The Imo State chapter also reiterated its support for resolutions reached by South East leaders at an expanded meeting held in Enugu, involving representatives from the five states of the region, pledging continued loyalty and commitment to the party’s unity and progress.
