The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ebonyi State has mocked the opposition Africa Democratic Congress over the conduct of parallel state congresses that produced separate leadership structures in the state.

One faction elected Barr. Silas Onu as chairman, while another faction produced Mrs. Jennifer Adibe Nwafor as state chairman.

Onu, in his acceptance speech at a factional congress held at Preston Hotel in Abakaliki on Saturday, expressed confidence that the ADC under his leadership would challenge the APC and take control of power in 2027.

He said there was “serious commotion” within the opposition, noting that the party was already in fear due to the calibre of individuals involved in its leadership structure in Ebonyi State.

“We shall field candidates for all positions, including the governorship. We will not only contend with them, we shall defeat them,” he said.

In response, the Ebonyi State Chairman of the APC, Chief Stanley Okoro-Emegha, dismissed the opposition’s claims and urged the ADC to focus on resolving its internal disputes.

Speaking through his Special Assistant on Media and Public Affairs, Prince Chijioke Agwu, Okoro-Emegha said the opposition should first resolve its leadership crisis before talking about the 2027 general elections.

“Ebonyi ADC should, first of all, resolve its internal crises before talking about the 2027 elections,” he said.

He questioned the legitimacy of the parallel leadership, asking the party to clarify who its authentic state chairman is between Silas Onu and Jennifer Adibe Nwafor.

“In APC, our chairman is Chief Stanley Okoro-Emegha, and there is no other person laying claim to the position. That is how to know a party that is ready for elections,” he said.

He advised the ADC factions not to waste energy on APC or the 2027 elections, but to focus on resolving their internal challenges at both state and national levels.

Okoro-Emegha added that the people of Ebonyi State remain satisfied with Governor Francis Nwifuru and the APC administration, expressing confidence that this would be reflected in the 2027 elections.