Chieftains of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Imo State boycotted the recent visit of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi to Owerri — and have offered no explanation for their absence.
El-Rufai, who featured as guest speaker at the 2023 Odenigbo Lecture hosted at Assumpta Cathedral, Owerri was expected to galvanize ADC’s grassroots presence in Imo. This was not so.
Though a member of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), El-Rufai was instrumental to the coalition of opposition politicians that recently aligned with the ADC.
That coalition included former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and two notable Imo politicians — former governor, Emeka Ihedioha and ex-Minister of State for Education, Emeka Nwajiuba.
No official explanation has been given for why both Ihedioha and Nwajiuba, considered central to ADC’s Imo structure, were absent at El Rufai’s visit.
However, a top chieftain of the party told this newspaper on condition of anonymity that El Rufai’s visit to Imo State was purely an “SDP affair”
“We were not properly informed. We wouldn’t want to be embarrassed by the Protocol team of the event” he said.
However, the Odenigbo lecture itself which El Rufai graced was marred by pockets of protests.The scene turned chaotic as some women, though supposedly hired protested his presence at the event.
SDP members in the State who opposed El-Rufai’s visit stormed the venue to denounce his presence.
In a petition to the Imo State Commissioner of Police, signed by the State Chairman, Augustine Okere, the party accused El Rufai and others- including Adam Abubakar Moddbo, Eluwa Ifeanyi Henry and Rev. (Dr) Andy Nwokoro of impersonation and acts capable of breaching peace.
However,the bigger issue was the absence of ADC leaders in Imo to welcome the former Kaduna and Anambra States Governors.
Despite the boycott, ADC’s publicity secretary in the state, MacDonald Amadi, issued a statement condemning the protesters who heckled El-Rufai at the Assumpta cathedral.
The party warned that such acts desecrated the Odenigbo lecture and threatened public order. It demanded that security agencies arrest those responsible for what it called a “blatant display of thuggery.”
“The perpetrators’ actions are not just an affront to the Catholic Church but a menace to peace and order. Imo’s tradition of tolerance must not be undermined by fringe elements and paid provocateurs.”Amadi declared.
But the statement carefully avoided addressing why senior figures of the party in the State stayed away, leaving the public with more questions than answers.
El-Rufai, however, moved quickly to downplay the setback. Hosted in Owerri by a former Speaker of Imo State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Nnamekea Maduagwu, the former FCT Minister described his trip as “memorable”
In a message signed by his media adviser, Muyiwa Adeleye, the former governor said he would always cherish the reception he received.
Still, the silence of the party’s hierarchy has stoked rumours of unease, especially in the South-East wing of the ADC.
Many believe, though unconfirmed that El-Rufai’s visible political rapport with Peter Obi may be unsettling for some stakeholders wary of being sidelined in looming realignments in the party.
Party Sets Up Disciplinary Panel To Resolve Abia Leadership Crisis
Meanwhile, the party has moved to address a brewing leadership crisis in its Abia State chapter following a surge of coalition partners into the party.
A statement signed by Chilos Godsent, Zonal Publicity Secretary of the party, said the influx, while strengthening the ranks, has triggered internal disputes that now threaten to stall progress.
According to the statement, in an emergency session held in Owerri, Imo State, on Saturday, September 6, 2025, and chaired by the National Vice Chairman (South East), Sir Bon Unachukwu, the zonal leadership resolved to restore peace and cohesion. “Unity remains our strength,” Unachukwu declared, appealing to stakeholders to remain calm while the matter is addressed.
To this end, a three-man Investigative and Disciplinary Committee was inaugurated. It is chaired by Dr. Uche Edeh, with Barr. Anyanwu Chioma Joy as Secretary, and Chilos Godsent as Member. The panel has been mandated to interact with factional groups, review petitions and documents, and recommend an amicable resolution in line with the ADC constitution.
The committee has been given 14 days to submit its report. “We urge all leaders and members in Abia State to cooperate fully with the committee as it carries out this important task,” Unachukwu added.
