The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Ebonyi State is facing an escalating leadership crisis after rival factions conducted separate presidential primaries on Monday, producing conflicting winners. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi were both declared winners by different party structures, deepening internal divisions within the opposition party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
One faction, loyal to suspended state chairman Barrister Silas Joseph Onu, announced Atiku as the winner of a primary held across the state’s 171 wards. The faction’s electoral committee reported 18,891 registered voters, with 17,700 accredited, and declared Atiku secured 15,300 votes against Amaechi’s 2,200 and Muhammad Hayatudeen’s 200. The collation took place at Preston Hotel in Abakaliki.
Earlier, the faction recognized by the party’s official state leadership, chaired by Dr. Mrs. Jennifer Adibe-Nwafor, conducted a separate primary at the party secretariat. Returning Officer Bassey Edogi Imoke announced Amaechi as winner with 6,050 votes, while Atiku garnered 1,210 and Hayatudeen received 4,840. This faction reported 12,641 registered delegates with 12,100 accredited.
The contradictory outcomes have plunged the Ebonyi ADC into a legitimacy crisis, with both camps claiming constitutional backing. The crisis stems from an April 29 Federal High Court ruling that nullified previous party congresses nationwide, order new ones. Adibe-Nwafor had publicly stated the party would comply with the ruling, but the Onu-led faction proceeded with its own primary despite Onu’s suspension over alleged anti-party activities.
Analysts view the split as a reflection of broader power struggles within the ADC, with Atiku’s support coming from northern political interests and Amaechi’s from southern blocs pushing for power rotation. The conflicting delegate numbers—12,100 versus 17,700—raise questions about credibility and may require national leadership or judicial intervention to resolve the impasse.