Concerned stakeholders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State has said that the increasing internal friction within the party if not urgently addressed could bury its chances in the 2027 elections.
The stakeholders raise the alarm over what they describe as a dangerous trend of exclusive leadership under the recently appointed leader of the party in the area, Dr. Uzodinma Nwafor.
In a Save-Our-Soul letter addressed to the leader of the party in the state and former Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, a copy of which was made available to newsmen, the stakeholders said the leadership approach of Dr. Nwafor has reportedly sidelined long-standing party members and coalition leaders.
According to them, Nwafor has created what they described as “factionalism” that threatens the unity and electoral prospects of the party in the area.
The letter recalls that even before Dr. Nwafor’s emergence, Etche ADC grappled with internal disputes, prompting repeated interventions by senior party figures including Senator Andrew Uchendu and Hon. Sokonte Davies.
They argued that instead of fostering inclusiveness, the new leadership has allegedly handpicked ward executives, unit executives, and delegates for the forthcoming party conventions, effectively sidelining other members and undermining state directives for a transparent selection process.
The letter read in part: “Despite no fewer than four attempts to mediate, these issues remain unresolved and have now degenerated further with Dr. Uzodinma Nwafor hijacking the exco.
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“There is a collusion between Dr. Nwafor and the Etche ADC chairman, Hon. Ejike Brown, to consolidate control over the local party structure. This approach, if unchecked, poses a serious threat to party unity and our collective chances in future elections,” the stakeholders warned.
They called on Amaechi who is also a former governor of the state to urgently intervene and ensure fairness, justice, and inclusiveness for all party members in Etche.
Among their demands highlighted in the letter include; recognition of pre-existing ADC members across all party structures, inclusion of coalition leaders who have contributed to the party’s growth and suspension of recently appointed coordinators and secretaries pending proper consultation.
The other demands are; urgent reconciliation among all stakeholders, consensus-based agreements on forthcoming elective positions, commitment to peace, unity, and progress as the foundation for electoral success.
They also called on Amaechi to warn the likes of Senator Andrew Uchendu and Hon. Asita O. Asita to stop meddling in the affairs of the party in Etche.
The concerned stakeholders stressed that Etche people are politically sophisticated and must be allowed to choose their leaders through a credible and participatory process.