ADC expressses commitment to rebuilding party in Rivers

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By Davies Iheamnachor

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The African Democratic Congress, ADC, has reaffirmed its commitment to rebuilding and strengthening the party in Rivers State.

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The party also called on members and faithful to embrace peace, unity and respect for the rule of law following the resolution of its leadership dispute by the courts.

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The factional State Publicity Secretary of the party, Chief Luckyman Egila, in a statement in Port Harcourt said the party was compelled to address what he called a persistent misinformation, falsehood and misrepresentation by individuals allegedly parading themselves as executives of the party at the state, local government and ward level in the face of existing court judgments.

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Egila explained that the leadership dispute was resolved by the Federal High Court, Abuja Division, in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/581/2026, which nullified the congresses and convention conducted in violation of the party’s constitution.

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He noted that fresh congresses were subsequently conducted, producing duly elected executives, including the Rivers State leadership.

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Egila said the current Rivers State Executive Committee is led by State Chairman, Engr. Ode Lawrence Egbagiri, alongside Hon. Iheanyi Eugene Eke as State Secretary, Barr. Hamza Victor Chukure as State Legal Adviser, Chief Luckyman Egila as State Publicity Secretary, Comrade Emmanuel Deinma as State Youth Leader and Hon. Helen Sese Cookey-Gan as State Woman Leader, among other officers elected to serve for a four-year tenure.

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The ADC further disclosed that the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, on July 13, 2026, dismissed an appeal challenging the Federal High Court judgment, thereby affirming the legality of the congresses and the leadership that emerged from the new process.

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He urged the public to disregard any claims or representations made by persons outside the recognised executive committee led by Egbagiri.

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He maintained that the appellate court’s decision reaffirmed the supremacy of its constitution and underscored the importance of internal democracy, insisting that no individual, regardless of status or influence, is above the constitution of the party.

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Egila called on its members, stakeholders and supporters across Rivers State to remain calm, law-abiding and united, stressing that the judgment should be seen as an opportunity to heal old divisions, strengthen internal cohesion and reposition the party for greater political relevance.

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He said: “Our struggle has never been about personalities, titles or positions. It has always been about preserving the sanctity of our Party Constitution, protecting democratic institutions and ensuring that the rule of law prevails over arbitrariness.

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“The lawful Rivers State Executive Committee remains fully committed to rebuilding, repositioning and strengthening the African Democratic Congress into a formidable political platform founded upon justice, internal democracy, inclusiveness, accountability, transparency and unwavering respect for the rule of law.”

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