By DADA AYOKHAI
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has denied claims of internal crisis, describing media reports as “sensational”.
South-South Zonal Publicity Secretary Mabel Oboh said the party’s l leadership meeting held at the house of the national leader, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun was a huge successful and concluded peacefully and in an orderly manner.
The state government had blamed the recent attack on the ADC secretariat in Benin City, as well as the incident involving Peter Obi during an event in the city, on internal conflicts within the party.
According to her, “as the South-South Zonal Publicity Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), and as an eyewitness physically present from arrival to the conclusion of proceedings, I find it necessary to set the record straight regarding the leadership meeting held on Monday, 23rd February, at the residence of our respected national leader, John Odigie-Oyegun.
”What occurred was a brief, contained attempt by a small group of unidentified individuals to obstruct access to the entrance gate before the meeting commenced.
”Their actions were disruptive but short-lived as security authorities were promptly contacted, and the individuals vacated the area without escalation. At no point did the situation escalate into chaos, nor did it interfere with the substance of our deliberations.
”The meeting proceeded with full attendance of key national and state leaders, reflecting the seriousness and legitimacy of the gathering.
”Present at the meeting were the National Chief Whip, Festus Igbinoba; the National Legal Adviser, Prof. Osunbor Oserheimen; the Edo State Chairman, Kennedy Odion; and I, the Zonal Publicity Secretary, alongside other senior party stakeholders.
”After the meeting, Chief Whip Festus Igbinoba reaffirmed our collective resolve, stating, “The ADC remains focused and united. No distraction can derail the internal stability of our party in Edo State.”
”The National Legal Adviser, Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor, was unequivocal in his clarification: “There was no legal or constitutional breach. The meeting was properly convened and successfully concluded.”
”Edo State Chairman Kennedy Odion further emphasised, “Our structure in Edo is intact. What occurred outside the gate did not affect the substance or success of our deliberations” she said.
The South-South Zonal Publicity Secretary also added that the core purpose of the meeting was strategic, not reactionary.
”We discussed party consolidation across Edo State, grassroots mobilisation, structural strengthening at ward and local government levels, and coordination between the national and state leadership in response to current political developments.
”The discussions were forward-looking and constructive.
It is important to emphasise that there is no factional divide within the ADC in Edo State. The presence and active participation of national officers alongside state executives clearly demonstrate alignment and institutional cohesion.
”His Excellency John Odigie-Oyegun continues to command respect as a guiding and stabilising figure within the party. Any suggestion to the contrary is speculative and politically motivated.
”For the sake of transparency, official records, minutes, and photographic evidence of the meeting are available in party documentation, confirming that the proceedings were orderly and successful.The brief attempt to create optics of instability failed.
”The ADC remains calm, united, and focused. No group, individual, or external pressure can halt the progress of a party determined to serve the people of Edo State and Nigeria at large” she declared.
Edo ADC Denies internal Party Crisis
