A fresh controversy has erupted within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) following claims that Don Norman Obinna has declared himself the party’s National Chairman under contentious circumstances.
Obinna, who has reportedly styled himself as “Chairman of Chairmen”—a title critics describe as unrecognized and unconstitutional within the ADC framework—made the declaration during a news briefing held at an undisclosed location in Abuja. The move is said to have emerged from a faction of aggrieved former state chairmen who allegedly convened what has been described as an illegal National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.
According to party sources, the group is accused of usurping constitutional powers by proceeding with decisions outside the provisions of the party’s governing document.
Constitutional Concerns;
A review of the ADC constitution indicates that:
Only a properly constituted NEC meeting can take binding decisions of such magnitude
A minimum of two-thirds (2/3) majority of NEC members is required to form a quorum
Critics argue that the meeting which produced Obinna as “National Chairman” did not meet these constitutional requirements, rendering the outcome null and void.
Allegations and Wider Implications:
Adding to the controversy are claims that Don Norman Obinna has been declared wanted by the police over alleged criminal records, with reports that his wanted photograph has surfaced online. These allegations have not been independently verified in this report but have further intensified scrutiny around his emergence in the party’s leadership dispute.
Observers say the situation raises broader concerns about the caliber of individuals allegedly being positioned within opposition ranks, with some critics linking the development to efforts by proponents of a one-party system to destabilize opposition platforms in Nigeria.
The development has further deepened internal tensions within the ADC, as party loyalists warn against actions that could undermine the party’s structure and credibility, especially at a time when it is positioning itself as a major opposition force.
Analysts note that the dispute could escalate into legal battles if not urgently addressed through established constitutional mechanisms within the party.
