DON NORMAN, FACE YOUR ADC CRISIS—STOP USING GOVERNOR ALEX OTTI, OFR, AS AN EXCUSE
The allegation by Mr Don Norman Obinna that the Abia State Government sponsored the crisis within the African Democratic Congress is serious—but allegations are not evidence.
Mr Don Norman should answer a few simple questions:
Where is the proof of payment, instruction, meeting, communication or involvement by Governor Alex Otti, OFR?
Who exactly in the Abia State Government contacted the alleged faction?
When and where did the supposed sponsorship occur?
A voice note full of accusations cannot become evidence merely because it was broadcast on radio.
The uncomfortable truth is that the ADC leadership crisis is neither new nor peculiar to Abia. Long before the latest accusations against Governor Otti, rival ADC groups in Abia were already fighting over the party’s leadership. In August 2025, the media reported a dispute between factions led by Iyke Nwoke and Don Norman Obinna.
At the national level, the ADC has also been divided among competing leadership blocs, accompanied by court actions and conflicting claims of legitimacy. How did Governor Otti suddenly manufacture a crisis that already existed nationally and locally? 😂
Even within Abia ADC, some party stakeholders reportedly disowned Don Norman and recognised another acting chairman. Don Norman later emerged from another congress claiming to have retained the chairmanship. Those are clearly internal ADC matters—not evidence of interference by the Abia State Government.
Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe also publicly cited the uncertainties, multiple lawsuits and court judgments surrounding the ADC as reasons for leaving the party for Labour Party. He did not say Governor Otti forced him out.
Political migration is not a criminal offence. Every politician has the constitutional freedom to associate with a party of choice.
Instead of blaming Governor Otti for every person who leaves ADC, the party should ask itself:
Why are members leaving?
Why are multiple factions claiming authority?
Why are court cases surrounding the party?
Why has the internal leadership been unable to maintain unity?
Governor Otti did not need to destabilise ADC to become governor. He won the 2023 election through a lawful democratic process and was declared elected by INEC after defeating the candidates of the PDP, APGA and other parties.
Let us also respect the memory of the late Professor Uche Ikonne. His death should not be dragged into reckless political conspiracy theories. Governor Otti’s emergence was determined by Abia voters—not by the death of anyone.
If ADC truly intends to challenge Governor Otti in 2027, the legitimate route is simple:
Register members.
Acquire permanent voter cards.
Present credible candidates.
Develop an alternative programme.
Campaign across Abia.
Convince the electorate.
But attacking opposition parties, circulating unsupported allegations and blaming Governor Otti for ADC’s internal quarrels will not win a single polling unit. 😂😁
Mr Don Norman should produce evidence or withdraw the allegation.
Governor Alex Otti, OFR, is governing Abia. ADC should concentrate on organising its own house.
FACTS BEFORE FRENZY. EVIDENCE BEFORE ACCUSATION.
SOURCE LINKS
The Nation — Abia ADC leadership crisis involving rival factions, August 2025:
Vanguard — Abia ADC stakeholders disown Don Norman and recognise another acting chairman:
Punch — National ADC leadership crisis and emergence of competing factions:
TheCable — Abaribe cites ADC uncertainties, lawsuits and court judgments before joining Labour Party:
Punch — Don Norman retains position after another Abia ADC congress and vows to challenge Otti:
