By Nkechinyere Ewa-Okpara, Abakaliki
The Ebonyi State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has denounced the purported self-declaration of Pastor Kenneth Ozioma-Eze as the party’s new state chairman, describing the claim as false, criminal, and a deliberate attempt to hijack the party’s structure.
A national broadcast report on Friday announced that “Kenneth Ozioma-Eze emerges as new ADC chairman in Ebonyi State,” sparking confusion within political circles.
However, the party leadership swiftly debunked the report, urging the public to disregard what it called a calculated misinformation campaign.
Addressing journalists in Abakaliki over the weekend, the state chairman of the ADC, Dr. Jennifer Adibe-Nwafor, firmly disowned the claim, insisting that Pastor Ozioma-Eze is neither a member of the party nor recognised by its leadership.
“I remain Dr. Mrs. Jennifer Adibe-Nwafor, the elected chairman of ADC in Ebonyi State. Pastor Ozioma-Eze is unknown to the party and has not been registered as a member. The public should completely disregard the misinformation being circulated online,” she said.
Dr. Adibe-Nwafor clarified that the recently held ADC national leadership restructuring meeting, which took place on July 29 at Chelsea Hotel, Abuja, did not include any changes in the party’s Ebonyi State leadership. She affirmed that the new national leadership under Senator David Mark had directed all state chapters to remain united and continue grassroots mobilisation efforts.
The ADC boss further accused Pastor Ozioma-Eze and his associates of allegedly defrauding the public through the sale of fake grant forms and illegal collection of personal data, calling on security agencies to investigate and prosecute those involved.
“These individuals are criminals trying to deceive the people of Ebonyi State. Security agencies should take note and act without delay,” she warned.
Dr. Adibe-Nwafor also accused Engr. Sunday Opoke, a former governorship candidate of the Young People’s Party (YPP), is being accused of masterminding the purported swearing-in of Ozioma-Eze. She emphasised that Opoke remains a member of the YPP and has no legal standing in ADC affairs.
Corroborating the chairman, Comrade Igube Ejiofor Umoke, ADC’s State Director of Media and Publicity, condemned the claims as “deceptive and misleading,” threatening legal action if the impersonators fail to retract their statements within 72 hours.
He said he was in the meeting where the false report emerged alleging that Pastor Ozioma was elected as ADC chairman.
“Our loyalty remains with the authentic leadership of Dr. Jennifer Adibe-Nwafor. Any attempt to hijack the party structure in Ebonyi through impersonation or political fraud will be met with stiff legal resistance,” Umoke declared.
The party reiterated that while it remains open to new members, admission must follow due constitutional process. It urged members of the public to channel all inquiries and engagement through the ADC State Secretariat in Abakaliki.
In a move to reinforce internal cohesion, the party also announced ongoing plans to harmonise its structures across Ebonyi Central and other senatorial districts ahead of future political activities in the state.
