Ebonyi ADC crisis deepens as Silas Onu rejects suspension, threatens legal action

The leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress in Ebonyi State has escalated, as the party’s embattled chairman, Barrister Silas Joseph Onu, rejected his reported suspension and vowed to pursue legal action against those behind it.

Onu described the suspension as unlawful and baseless, insisting that individuals who issued the letter lacked the authority to act on behalf of the party. He alleged that the purported ward officials who signed the suspension notice were neither recognised nor registered members of the ADC, and accused them of orchestrating a smear campaign to damage his reputation.

In a statement released on Friday, Onu dismissed allegations of misconduct, including claims of impersonation and financial exploitation, describing them as unfounded and defamatory. He maintained that the accusations were part of a coordinated effort to mislead the public and undermine his leadership within the party.

He warned that both the authors of the suspension letter and any media platforms that published the claims without verification would be held accountable. According to him, his legal team has been instructed to identify those involved and initiate defamation proceedings.

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Onu also refuted claims that there were acting executives at the ward level in Ebonyi ADC, stating that elections had already been conducted across all 171 wards, producing substantive leaders. He identified Mr. Godwin Njoku as the duly elected chairman of Obiozara Ward, insisting that the individuals behind the suspension were impostors.

Backing his position, the Chairman of ADC in Ohaozara Local Government Area, Engr. Chinedum Elekwachi, said those who signed the suspension letter were unknown within the party structure. He reiterated that there was no provision for “acting” ward executives under the ADC constitution in Ebonyi State.
The dispute highlights deepening factional tensions within the party in Ebonyi, raising concerns about internal cohesion ahead of the 2027 general elections. Observers warn that unresolved leadership battles could weaken the party’s position in the state if not urgently addressed.