Abia ADC vows showdown over alleged parallel executives linked to Abaribe

Nkem Ukaegbu, Umuahia

Abia State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has issued a strongly worded communiqué accusing Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe of engaging in activities it describes as attempts to destabilise and hijack the party’s structure in the state.

In the statement signed by the State Publicity Secretary, Chiamaka Ohaja, the party alleged that the senator, who it emphasised is not a registered member of the ADC—has been sponsoring parallel executives, influencing vulnerable party officers, and circulating what it called “malicious falsehoods” intended to fracture the party’s leadership and membership.

According to the communiqué, the party’s leadership “has witnessed with great dismay” what it views as sustained efforts by the senator and some of his associates to interfere with its internal affairs. The ADC also stated that Senator Abaribe has no documented affiliation with the party at the ward, local government, state, or national levels, nor has he formally participated in party activities.

During its State Executive Committee meeting, the ADC resolved to issue a formal warning to Senator Abaribe, demanding that he immediately cease any alleged activities connected to the creation of parallel structures or impersonation of party officials.

The party gave a 48-hour deadline for the withdrawal of individuals it claims are being sponsored to pose as ADC members.

The communiqué further listed a series of actions the party may take should the senator fail to comply. These include the rejection of any future attempt by him to associate with the ADC, possible legal proceedings for alleged impersonation and conspiracy, and forwarding his name to security agencies such as the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force for investigation into alleged inducement and political thuggery.

The party also warned that it may mobilise all 17 local government structures of the ADC in Abia State to occupy the senator’s campaign offices and liaison offices in protest until he issues a public apology.

The statement described Abaribe as an outsider to the ADC and criticised what it characterised as an attempt to treat political parties like “personal fiefdoms.” It also referenced his recent suspension from his party, APGA, noting that ADC does not operate as a coalition platform and would not accept interference from non-members.

“This is your last opportunity to retreat,” the communiqué concluded, stating that while the party prefers peace, it will not hesitate to defend its integrity through lawful means if pushed further.