A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Kenneth Okonkwo, has raised concerns over what he described as growing internal and external threats to the party, warning that the situation could affect its planned congresses in Enugu State.
Speaking to journalists after a stakeholders’ meeting in Enugu, Okonkwo alleged that the party is facing pressure from both internal actors and forces linked to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). He claimed there were efforts to destabilise the ADC ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“Everybody in Nigeria now knows that APC wants to destroy ADC using government institutions and also using some moles within the party,” he said.
Okonkwo warned that internal sabotage poses a greater danger than external opposition. “Intimate enemies are more powerful than even external enemies,” he added, suggesting that the alleged plan is to weaken the ADC and reduce competition in future elections.
He maintained that the ADC has no faction, insisting that those causing confusion within the party are being used to undermine its structure. He also reaffirmed that the Enugu State chapter remains loyal to the national leadership under David Mark.
The actor-turned-politician further alleged irregularities within the party’s leadership, accusing the National Organising Secretary of issuing multiple conflicting letters appointing different congress committees within a short period.
“Within 48 hours, three different letters were issued, throwing the entire state into confusion. We do not even know which congress committee is organising the exercise,” he said.
Okonkwo also raised concerns over the alleged sale of nomination forms to individuals he claimed are not genuine members of the party, describing it as a deliberate attempt to sideline long-standing members.
“All the names nominated have never attended any ADC meeting, not even once,” he said.
He warned that any congress not conducted in line with the party’s constitution would be considered invalid, stressing the need to resolve discrepancies before proceeding.
While acknowledging rising tensions within the party, including threats of legal action, Okonkwo appealed for calm and urged members to remain committed to due process.
He expressed hope that the Enugu chapter would uphold internal democracy and serve as a model for the party nationwide.
