The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Ebonyi State has been thrown into renewed controversy following the suspension of a prominent leader in the party, Silas Onu over alleged impersonation, anti-party activities, and breaches of internal party rules.

Onu has however, strongly rejected the allegations, describing them as defamatory and politically motivated.

Onu, has therefore, threatened legal action against those behind the suspension, insisting that his reputation has been deliberately targeted through what he called a “coordinated smear campaign.”

The suspension, announced by the Ward Executive Committee of Obiozara in Ohaozara Local Government Area, was conveyed in a letter dated April 22, 2026.

The document, signed by the Acting Chairman, Nwachukwu Peter Obinna, and the Acting Secretary, Akuma Martins, accused Onu of gross misconduct, anti-party activities, and constitutional breaches.

The ward leadership alleged that he engaged in actions that undermined party cohesion, and hijacking of internal party processes such as screening and electoral committee activities.

The ward executives further claimed that his actions contributed to internal divisions within the party, including the creation of parallel leadership structures in the state.

As part of the disciplinary action, Onu was suspended for three months with immediate effectand barred from holding any party office, representing the ADC in any capacity, or participating in official party activities, including voting rights.

The letter additionally mandated him to appear before a seven-member disciplinary committee within 14 days to respond to the allegations.

The committee, according to the party, will further investigate claims bordering on impersonation, financial misconduct, and breaches of party protocol.

However, 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 what he described as “acting officials,” maintaining that the purported Obiozara Ward leadership that suspended him does not represent the party.

Onu also denied all allegations levelled against him, 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 was quoted as saying in his rebuttal statement.

He further 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,” warning that the matter would be pursued to its logical conclusion in court.