Benue ADC crisis deepens as faction suspends chairman, others

..they were expelled at Nat’l Convention – New Chairman, Okwu

By Peter Duru, Makurdi

The leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) intensified on Tuesday as a faction of the Benue State Executive Committee (SEC) not only rejected the party’s national leadership but also publicly listed key members it has suspended over alleged constitutional violations.

Speaking at a world press conference in Makurdi, the State Chairman, Elias Adikwu, said the state leadership remains committed to upholding the party’s constitution and due process, accusing some national figures of imposing illegitimate structures on the party.

“We reiterate our commitment to the supremacy of the Party’s Constitution and to democratic, inclusive and transparent processes. Our actions are guided by the rule of law, equity and justice,” Adikwu said.

The SEC also rejected the Membership Registration, Mobilization and Revalidation (MRMR) committees set up at various levels, accusing them of undermining the authority of state organs.

“These committees are illegal, unconstitutional and null and void. They have no authority to register or revalidate members,” Adikwu declared.

He warned party faithful against dealing with the committees, stressing that any membership cards issued through them would not be recognized.

On party activities, the state chapter said it has not conducted any congresses and did not participate in any national convention until proper procedures were followed and INEC directives were complied with.

“We shall not participate in any purported convention pending further directives from INEC and a properly constituted NEC,” he said.

The Benue SEC also affirmed the suspension of five prominent members of the party for alleged breaches of its constitution.

He listed those suspended to include Senator Emmanuel Orker-Jev, Chief Terngu Tsegba, the State Chairman-elect, Samson Okwu, Herman Hembe and Alex Adum insisting that their suspensions remains valid and binding.

Reacting to the development, one of those suspended and newly elected Benue State Chairman of ADC, Samson Okwu rejected Adikwu’s claims saying he had already been expelled by the National Convention.

According to him, “When the coalition started, it was the Orbunde-led leadership that we met on ground and he was the acting chairman and not Elias,” Okwu said.

“Moreover Elias was expelled at the National Convention, and so whatever he is doing lacks credibility and effect,” he added.

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