The Chairman-Elect of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Ebonyi State, Silas Joseph Onu, has dismissed claims of his suspension, describing the development as false and defamatory.
Onu was reacting to a publication by Uchenna Okeh of The Nations News dated April 24, 2026, which reported that the Obiozara Ward Executive had suspended him over alleged anti-party activities and gross misconduct.
In a statement, Onu said the individuals identified as acting Chairman and Secretary of Obiozara Ward—Nwachukwu Peter Obinna and Akuma Martin—were not recognised party officials, alleging that they were used to tarnish his image.
He described the reported suspension as “imaginary,” accusing those behind it of orchestrating a smear campaign aimed at damaging his reputation.
According to him, the allegations, including claims of impersonation, fraudulent representation at the party’s national convention and financial exploitation of members, were baseless and intended to portray him as a fraud.
Onu warned that both the individuals involved and the publishing platform could face legal consequences, stressing that defamatory statements without lawful justification would not go unchallenged.
“I have directed that the identities and addresses of these individuals be ascertained to enable my lawyer initiate a defamation suit against them. This will give them the opportunity to substantiate their allegations,” he said.
He added that The Nations News would also be contacted to explain its role in the publication, which he described as libellous.
For clarity, Onu maintained that there are no acting ward executives in Ebonyi State, noting that elections have been conducted across all 171 wards, with substantive leaders currently in place.
He further stated that the Chairman of Obiozara Ward is Mr. Godwin Njoku, insisting that the ward leadership could not have been involved in what he termed an “infamous act.”
Onu reaffirmed his position as the Chairman-Elect of ADC in Ebonyi State, urging party members and the public to disregard the suspension claim.