Crisis Rocks Abia ADC as Faction Suspends State Chairman

The Abia State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has been thrown into crisis following the suspension of its State Chairman, Mr Don Norman Obinna, over alleged misconduct and disregard for party principles.

The suspension was announced on Friday during a harmonisation meeting of different factions of the party held in Aba.

At the gathering, participants resolved to suspend Obinna pending the outcome of investigations into petitions filed against him.

Speaking to journalists after the meeting, the newly appointed Interim Chairman, Mr Okoroafor Kanu, accused Obinna of running the party in a manner that alienated members.

He disclosed that a motion was unanimously passed to establish a disciplinary committee, which he now heads, to probe the allegations levelled against the embattled chairman.

However, the decision has sparked opposition within the party. Rev. Blessed Amalambu, the ADC’s 2023 House of Assembly candidate for Umuahia North constituency, faulted the suspension process, describing it as unconstitutional and lacking credibility. He argued that the panel that carried out the action had no legal basis to suspend the state chairman.

Another party stalwart, who preferred not to be named, alleged that external forces were working to push out the “original ADC members,” warning that such efforts would fail.

In response, Mr Don Norman Obinna dismissed the suspension, insisting that he remained the authentic chairman of the ADC in Abia State. He made the declaration during a separate meeting held recently in Umuahia.

The development has deepened division within the Abia ADC, raising concerns about the party’s cohesion ahead of future political activities in the state.