The South-South Zonal Vice Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Festus Igbinoba, has reaffirmed Hon. Johnny Tovie Derek as the duly recognized Chairman of the ADC in Bayelsa State, dismissing ongoing speculations of a leadership tussle as baseless and misleading.
In a statement issued on Friday, Mr. Igbinoba described the misinformation as part of a deliberate campaign by political actors, some of whom are operating from within the government structure to destabilize the growing unity within the party.
He warned that these actors are deploying state resources in an attempt to weaken the ADC, rather than focusing on delivering good governance and fulfilling the mandates given to them by the people of Bayelsa State.
“The African Democratic Congress is aware of the activities of certain individuals who are working to create disunity within the party. Their actions are driven by fear of our increasing popularity and strong grassroots presence in Bayelsa and across Nigeria,” Igbinoba stated.
He reaffirmed that Hon. Johnny Tovie Derek was validly elected and remains the only recognized ADC Chairman in Bayelsa State.
“The leadership of the ADC adopted an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanism to resolve internal disagreements in the state chapter. Through that process, Hon. Johnny Tovie Derek was rightfully reinstated and reaffirmed as the State Chairman. Any contrary claim is unfounded and unauthorized,” the statement read.
Igbinoba also pointed to judicial precedents, noting that the Supreme Court of Nigeria has consistently ruled that matters of internal party leadership and the selection of officials are beyond the jurisdiction of regular courts.
“As the National Vice Chairman (South-South), I visited Bayelsa to chair a stakeholders’ meeting where the leadership of Hon. Johnny Tovie Derek was unanimously reaffirmed. We therefore urge the public, relevant authorities, and all party members to relate only with the leadership of the ADC in Bayelsa State as presently constituted under Chairman Tovie.”
He further called on the Governor to urgently rein in those who are exploiting his accommodating disposition to undermine the ADC and disrupt the democratic process in the state.
“We believe Governor Diri means well for the state and has demonstrated openness and democratic maturity. It is therefore important that those working against that spirit by weaponizing state resources and institutions to fight the ADC are called to order,” Igbinoba concluded.
The ADC reiterated its resolve to remain focused, united, and prepared to offer the people of Bayelsa a credible and people-centered alternative in the forthcoming political dispensation.
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