By Muhammad Mamman
The leadership conflict within the Abia State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) centers on the suspension of the state chairman, Don Norman Obinna, by a faction of the party, which he has vehemently contested. Obinna, in an interview with Vanguard, described the suspension as a “sham” orchestrated by “desperate politicians” and “comedians” lacking knowledge of party operations. The suspension was announced on August 22, 2025, during a harmonization meeting in Aba, attended by notable figures including Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, Nkem Ukandu (ADC National Welfare Secretary), and Kalu Kalu Agu (Zonal Legal Adviser). The faction cited allegations of misconduct, high-handedness, and mismanagement, including the alleged sale of party vehicles, as reasons for Obinna’s suspension. An interim chairman, Okoroafor Kanu, was appointed, and a disciplinary committee was set up to investigate the claims.
Obinna, however, dismissed the suspension as invalid, asserting that only the ADC’s National Working Committee (NWC) and National Executive Committee (NEC) have the authority to suspend him after due investigation. He claimed the support of the ADC’s State Working Committee and all 17 Local Government Chairmen, arguing that the meeting was not a legitimate party gathering but a scheme led by Senator Abaribe, whom he accused of attempting to hijack the ADC for personal gain. Obinna alleged that Abaribe, a member of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), used his Nobik International Event Centre to host associates and non-members to undermine the ADC’s structure in Abia. He further criticized the participation of national officers Ukandu and Kalu, calling for their investigation by the ADC’s national leadership.
The conflict is set against the backdrop of broader political realignments in Abia, with the ADC gaining traction as a coalition platform for opposition forces ahead of the 2027 elections. Reports indicate that the ADC has attracted significant membership, with Obinna claiming over 300,000 registered members in Abia alone. This growth has been bolstered by defections, including claims that APGA’s Abia South senatorial zone structures collapsed into the ADC, though APGA has denied these reports, asserting its structures remain intact.
Obinna’s defiance reflects tensions within the ADC as it navigates its role in the opposition coalition, which includes high-profile figures like Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar, aiming to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027. The conflict highlights internal struggles over control and influence, with accusations of external interference and factionalism threatening the party’s unity in Abia.
Critical Perspective: The situation underscores the fragility of political coalitions in Nigeria, where personal ambitions and rivalries often undermine collective goals. Obinna’s claim that Abaribe, an APGA senator, is meddling in ADC affairs raises questions about the motivations behind such actions, possibly driven by the ADC’s growing influence in Abia. However, the involvement of national ADC officers in the suspension meeting suggests deeper internal divisions, which could weaken the party’s credibility if not addressed transparently. The lack of response from Abaribe or the accused officers limits clarity on their perspective, and the ADC’s national leadership has yet to publicly intervene, leaving the dispute unresolved. The party’s ability to maintain discipline and unity will be critical as it positions itself as a viable opposition platform.
