PRESS STATEMENT
The attention of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Akwa Ibom State Chapter, has been drawn to a misleading, mischievous, and constitutionally baseless publication titled “A Call to Order: Ending the Era of Chaos at the Grassroots in Akwa Ibom ADC”, authored by one Israel Samuel.
This publication falsely asserts that Mr. Ben Smith is the leader of the ADC in Akwa Ibom State. This claim is entirely false, malicious, and unsupported by the ADC Constitution.
For the avoidance of doubt, and for the public record:
Mr. Ben Smith is NOT the leader of the African Democratic Congress in Akwa Ibom State.
CONSTITUTIONAL POSITION
- On State Leadership
The ADC Constitution, Article 12, Section 7, expressly recognizes the State Caucus as the highest decision-making body at the state level and clearly provides that the State Chairman is the Chairman of the State Caucus.
Accordingly, only the duly elected State Chairman is the recognized leader of the party in any state.
I therefore reaffirm that Rt. Hon. Duke Dick, is the constitutionally elected and INEC-recognized State Chairman of ADC in Akwa Ibom State.
- On the Limits of Zonal Offices
The ADC Constitution, under Article 9 (Party Structure), clearly delineates party organization into National, State, Local Government, and Ward levels.
Zonal offices are coordinating offices only and do not constitute a leadership tier over any state chapter.
Consequently, Mr. Ben Smith’s position as assistance Zonal Organising Secretary carries no constitutional authority to lead, supervise, or administer the Akwa Ibom State Chapter of the party.
- On Parallel Structures and Anti-Party Conduct
The creation or coordination of parallel structures is unknown to, and prohibited by, the ADC Constitution. Such acts amount to anti-party activities and are punishable under the party’s disciplinary provisions (Article 18 – Discipline, as amended).
Mr. Ben Smith’s continued involvement in unconstitutional parallel arrangements is therefore null, void, and of no effect.
ON SILENCE AND MISINTERPRETATION
Let it be clearly stated that the state chairman’s previous silence should not be misconstrued as weakness, fear, or admission of falsehood. It was an act of restraint exercised in the interest of peace and party stability. That restraint should not be tested.
WARNING AGAINST INCITEMENT AND VIOLENCE
All ADC members are hereby advised to stay away from incitement, misinformation, and actions capable of provoking violence or disorder within the party. No individual—regardless of godfathers or external sponsors—is above the constitution of the ADC.
For the avoidance of doubt, I am aware that INEC formally recognizes the Akwa Ibom State Executive Committee under Duke’s leadership, and by law and constitution, every other claim, structure, or authority outside this framework is illegal and bound to fail.
CONCLUSION
I will genuinely call on all ADC members, stakeholders, and the general public to disregard the said publication in its entirety, remain law-abiding, and continue to work with the constitutionally recognized leadership of the party.
The ADC in Akwa Ibom State remains committed to peace, constitutionalism, internal democracy, and disciplined political engagement. No amount of propaganda, intimidation, or unconstitutional ambition will derail the party.
Signed:
Engr Donald Sunday Udofia
State Secretary, ADC Akwa Ibom State
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