The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ebonyi State has ridiculed the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC) following the emergence of parallel leadership from separate state congresses.
The crisis within ADC saw two factions produce different chairpersons, with one group electing Barr. Silas Onu, while another faction announced Mrs. Jennifer Adibe Nwafor as State Chairman.
Speaking at his faction’s congress held in Abakaliki, Onu expressed confidence that ADC would challenge and defeat the ruling party in the 2027 elections.
“There is serious commotion in the camp of the opposition… they are in fear because of the calibre of people assembled to lead ADC in Ebonyi,” he said.
“We shall field candidates for all positions, including the Governorship. We will not only contend with them, we shall beat them,” Onu added.
Reacting, the APC State Chairman, Chief Stanley Okoro-Emegha, through his media aide, Prince Chijioke Agwu, dismissed ADC’s claims and urged the party to focus on resolving its internal disputes.
“Ebonyi ADC should, first of all, resolve its internal crises before talking about 2027 general elections,” he said.
“They should tell Ebonyi people, between Adibe Nwafor and Silas Onu who is their authentic State chairman.
“In APC, our Chairman is Chief Stanley Okoro-Emegha; and there is no other person making claims to his position. That is how to know a party that is ready for elections.”
He further advised both factions of ADC to stop focusing on APC and instead channel their energy into addressing their internal divisions.
“I advise the two factions not to waste their strength talking about the APC and the 2027 elections. They should concentrate their time and strength on resolving their internal crises, both at the State and national levels,” he stated.
The APC also expressed confidence in the leadership of Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, insisting that the party remains popular among the people of Ebonyi and would secure victory again in 2027.