The structure of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Enugu State is under strain after parallel congresses ended with rival claims to leadership, following the emergence of two separate chairmen and executive members.
The congresses, held at different venues within Enugu metropolis, saw the emergence of Major General (rtd) Chris Eze as chairman in one faction, while Professor Austine Akulue emerged as chairman of the rival group.
Both leaders are from the Enugu North Senatorial District, where the party’s chairmanship position is zoned.
In his acceptance speech, Eze described his emergence as a major responsibility, pledging to reposition the party and take it to greater heights in the state.
The retired general promised to run the party with integrity, transparency, and zero tolerance for corruption, warning that any executive member found engaging in misconduct would not be spared.
However, the state chairperson, Stella Chukwuma, has distanced herself and her executives from the exercise.
She maintained that the party’s congresses in Enugu State remain officially suspended, insisting that any gathering held outside that directive is not recognised.
With two rival factions laying claim to leadership, the ADC in Enugu State now faces a critical test of cohesion as efforts to resolve the dispute intensify.
