Members of the Delta State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) have passed a vote of no confidence in the Engr. Austine Okolie–led executive committee, dissolving the structure and inaugurating a new leadership.
At a state meeting held at the weekend in Warri, Delta state, party members drawn from all 27 local government areas accused Okolie of incompetence, anti-party activities and deliberate efforts to weaken the opposition.
The motion was moved by Hon. Alex Edumegbe from Warri South local government area, who recalled Okolie’s refusal to attend a reception meeting on August 9 to welcome decampees into the ADC, despite the presence of Elder Igbenoba, the party’s national executive whip.
Backing the motion, Hon. Confidence Okeyebulor from Ika North East LGA alleged that Okolie supported Governor Sheriff Oborevwori in the last election even when the party had Amb. Shedrack Ekure as governorship candidate,.
Similarly, Mr. Godwin from Burutu insisted that Okolie had never shown interest in building the ADC into a formidable political party while Hon. Felix Ogbodu maintained that retaining him as chairman would destroy the party before 2027.
Okolie was also accused of inferiority complex, fear of losing grip of the party to new members and gross incompetence.
As they described the chairman’s conduct as sabotage, the motion was unanimously adopted, and a new working state executive was inaugurated.
The new leadership has Hon. Barbar Ebimowei as Chairman, Chief Sunday Asurai as Deputy Chairman, Okoyoyo Regina as Women Leader, and Jacob Nwanzekwu as Publicity Secretary.
Others include Mr. Lucky as Secretary, alongside new officials for financial secretary, youth leader, and treasurer.
In his acceptance speech, Hon. Ebimowei thanked members for the confidence reposed in him and promised not to disappoint, stressing that membership cards would be free and called for unity and solidarity among members.
For his part, the new publicity secretary, Mr. Jacob Nwanzekwu, reminded members of the task ahead to unseat the incumbent government in Delta State, adding that the ADC was prepared to meet the challenge.
Meanwhile, Engr. Okolie–led executive committee has declared the said removal as unconditional, saying it will not stand.
