Man Claiming ADC Leadership Position Was Declared Wanted by Police
A man identified as Obinna Don Norman, who is reportedly laying claim to a factional leadership position within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), was previously declared wanted by the Nigeria Police Force in 2018.
According to a police notice issued by the Abia State Command Headquarters in Umuahia, Norman was wanted following a warrant of arrest granted by a Magistrate Court in the state.
The police listed the allegations against him to include cyberstalking, dissemination of offensive and false messages through computer systems or networks, sedition, and blackmail.
At the time, he was described as a journalist of Igbo origin, aged 48, with a height of about 5.2 feet and medium build. Other identifying features included an oval face, broad nose, thin lips, brown eyes, and a fair complexion. He was also noted for frequently dressing in corporate attire and visiting major cities such as Lagos and Abuja.
His last known address was given as No. AB 13, Rockstone Villa Estate, Bakery Bus Stop, Badore, Eti-Osa area of Lagos State.
The police had urged members of the public to assist with information that could lead to his arrest, advising that he be handed over to the nearest police station or the State Headquarters in Umuahia.
The resurfacing of the wanted notice has raised concerns and sparked fresh discussions, particularly in light of his reported involvement in ongoing leadership claims within the ADC. However, it remains unclear whether the matter has since been resolved or if the warrant is still active.
Naija News House gathered that The new group, which surfaced on Tuesday in Abuja, announced its dissociation from both the Senator David Mark-led coalition and the faction loyal to Nafiu Bala.
Led by Don Norman Obinna, the group claimed it represents the legitimate National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party, insisting that it is made up of duly elected officials.
Addressing journalists, Obinna said the tenure of former national chairman, Ralph Nwosu, had expired in August 2022, accusing him of clinging to power beyond his mandate and plunging the party into legal disputes.
According to the group, Nwosu’s decision to hand over the party structure to the David Mark-led coalition was “illegal” and has no standing within the ADC.
“The tenure of Ralph Nwosu ended in August 2022, and since then he has faced a series of litigations due to his refusal to step down,” Obinna said. “The purported handover of the party to the coalition led by Senator David Mark is an illegal act and cannot stand.”
The faction further declared that neither the Mark-led coalition nor Nafiu Bala has the authority to speak for the party, rejecting their claims to leadership.
It specifically dismissed Bala’s position, stating that he was never the National Vice Chairman of the ADC, contrary to claims by his camp.
“The David Mark coalition are not members of ADC and cannot represent the party in any capacity,” the group stated, adding that it would not recognise any decisions taken by either faction.
In a move likely to deepen the crisis, the Obinna-led faction reaffirmed that the party’s former presidential candidate, Dumebi Kachikwu, remains a bonafide member of the ADC despite the ongoing disputes.
The group also announced the appointment of new officials to oversee the party’s affairs pending the conduct of a national convention, which it said would restore order and legitimacy to the party’s leadership structure.
