Enugu ADC members disown purported leadership handpick

A leadership dispute has erupted within the Enugu State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), triggered by allegations of an attempt to impose a candidate on the party following its recent state congress, with some stakeholders vehemently rejecting the move.

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This development has resulted in a split within the party, as rival groups claim the chairmanship and urge the national leadership to exercise caution in recognising any outcome, highlighting the deep-seated divisions within the party.

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Comrade Chika Idoko, a prominent ADC chieftain in Enugu State and the party's 2023 senatorial candidate for Enugu North Zone, revealed that a former governor in the state is backing a preferred candidate, contrary to the wishes of some party stakeholders.

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Idoko denounced this move as a desperate attempt to compromise the party's credibility and frustrate the will of genuine stakeholders, raising concerns among members about the leadership determination process.

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He questioned the legitimacy of the party's leadership, asking how a party seeking public trust and credibility can be led in a manner that raises questions among its own members, highlighting the need for transparency and accountability.

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Idoko alleged that due process was not followed and warned against undue influence in the leadership process, maintaining that Major General Chris Eze (retd) is the legitimate chairman of the ADC in Enugu State, having emerged from the just-concluded congress.

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According to Idoko, Chris Eze earned his mandate through performance, trust, tested leadership, and strong grassroots support, not through imposition, and he cautioned the party's leaders against recognising an imposed leadership arrangement.

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Idoko emphasized that the Enugu ADC has already spoken through a legitimate internal process, and the outcome of the congress reflects the will of party members across the state, underscoring the need for the party to uphold transparency, internal democracy, and credibility.