The internal crisis rocking the African Democratic Congress (ADC) escalated on Tuesday as a faction of the Benue State Executive Committee (SEC) rejected the party’s national leadership and announced the suspension of key members over alleged constitutional breaches.
Addressing a press conference in Makurdi, the State Chairman, Elias Adikwu, said the state leadership remains committed to the party’s constitution, accusing some national figures of attempting to impose illegitimate structures.
“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 stated.
The SEC also rejected the Membership Registration, Mobilization and Revalidation (MRMR) committees set up across the party, describing them as unconstitutional and lacking authority.
“These committees are illegal, unconstitutional and null and void. They have no authority to register or revalidate members,” he said, warning party members not to engage with them.
Adikwu further declared that the Benue chapter had not conducted any congresses and would not participate in any national convention until proper procedures are followed and directives from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) are complied with.
“We shall not participate in any purported convention pending further directives from INEC and a properly constituted NEC,” he added.
The faction also reaffirmed the suspension of several prominent members, including Emmanuel Orker-Jev, Chief Terngu Tsegba, Samson Okwu, Herman Hembe, and Alex Adum, insisting that the action remains binding.
However, the move was swiftly challenged by Okwu, who rejected the suspension and questioned Adikwu’s authority.
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.”
He further claimed that Adikwu himself had been suspended at the party’s National Convention, rendering his actions invalid.
“Moreover Elias was suspended at the National Convention, and so whatever he is doing lacks credibility and effect,” Okwu said.
The development highlights deepening divisions within the ADC, with rival factions laying claim to legitimacy and authority at both state and national levels.
What you should know
The ADC crisis in Benue reflects broader internal conflicts within the party ahead of the 2027 elections.
Disputes over leadership, membership processes, and the legitimacy of conventions have created parallel structures, weakening party cohesion. With factions suspending one another and rejecting national directives, the situation risks affecting the party’s credibility and electoral readiness.
INEC’s position and ongoing legal battles will likely play a decisive role in determining which faction gains recognition, as political alignments and grassroots loyalty continue to shape the unfolding power struggle.
