The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Ebonyi State has been plunged into a fresh crisis following the suspension of a prominent party leader, Silas Onu, over allegations of impersonation, anti-party activities, and breaches of internal party rules. Onu has strongly rejected the allegations, describing them as defamatory and politically motivated, and has threatened legal action against those behind the suspension.
Suspension Details
The suspension was announced by the Ward Executive Committee of Obiozara in Ohaozara Local Government Area, through a letter dated April 22, 2026. The document, signed by Acting Chairman Nwachukwu Peter Obinna and Acting Secretary Akuma Martins, accused Onu of gross misconduct, anti-party activities, and constitutional breaches. The ward leadership alleged that his actions undermined party cohesion and included hijacking internal party processes such as screening and electoral committee activities.
The ward executives further claimed that his conduct contributed to internal divisions within the party, including the creation of parallel leadership structures in the state. As a disciplinary measure, Onu was suspended for three months with immediate effect and barred from holding any party office, representing the ADC, or participating in official party activities, including voting. He was also mandated to appear before a seven-member disciplinary committee within 14 days to respond to the allegations. The committee is tasked with investigating claims of impersonation, financial misconduct, and breaches of party protocol.
Onu's Rebuttal
In a swift reaction issued on April 24, 2026, Onu dismissed the suspension as “null and void,” insisting that the individuals behind it are impostors lacking legitimate authority within the party structure. He argued that all ward executives in Ebonyi State are duly elected and challenged the existence of “acting officials,” maintaining that the purported Obiozara Ward leadership that suspended him does not represent the party.
Onu denied all allegations, including impersonation at the party’s national convention and financial misconduct. He maintained that he has consistently acted within the provisions of the party constitution and described the accusations as politically driven attempts to tarnish his image. “I have never impersonated anyone, nor have I engaged in any act of financial or political misconduct. This is a calculated attempt to destabilise my standing within the party,” he stated in his rebuttal.
Legal Action Threatened
Onu disclosed that legal steps were already being taken against those responsible for the suspension and the publication of what he termed “false and malicious claims.” He warned that the matter would be pursued to its logical conclusion in court. The crisis has highlighted deepening divisions within the ADC in Ebonyi State, with both sides showing no signs of backing down.
