Enugu ADC Factions Must Unite To Win Or Perish - SKC Ogbonnia

A Chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, in Enugu State, Dr. SKC Ogbonnia, has called for urgent reconciliation between factions in the party following parallel state congresses that produced two separate executive committees and chairmen.

ADC in Enugu State, had in its state Congress on Saturday produced two factional Chairmen of the party at different venues of the Congress, with each faction allegedly being loyal to certain presidential aspirants of the party.

The factional Chairmen were Prof Austin Akubue and General Chris Eze (rtd) who were elected with separate executive committee members for the state.

In a press statement issued, on Sunday, Ogbonnia said the events of the day pose an “existential threat” to the ADC and directly contradict the party’s promise to offer Enugu residents a credible, united alternative.

“We must learn from history. Since 1999, the yearning of Enugu people for a true democratic leader has been repeatedly thwarted, not necessarily by the strength of the ruling parties, but by the failure of the opposition to form a united front,” Ogbonnia said.

He noted that the ADC is currently positioned as the “ultimate vehicle to rescue the state,” but warned that the goal is being derailed by “avoidable internal sabotage, needless competition, and undue egos.”

Ogbonnia urged former governor Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo, whom he described as the duly recognized leader of the party in the state, to “rise to the occasion” and intervene immediately to harmonize the opposing sides. 

“I’m not unmindful of the different peace initiatives and challenges, but true peace requires perseverance. We have no time to waste on internal squabbles,” he said.

He called on the two factions to “cease hostilities and harmonize towards one purpose,” stressing that the interest of the party and the people of Enugu State is superior to personal ambitions.

“The time for selfish politics is over; the time for action is now. A divided house cannot stand. Let us come together, bridge the divide, and save the party,” Ogbonnia said.