The African Democratic Congress (ADC), Imo State Chapter, has recorded a significant political breakthrough with the formal defection of prominent leaders from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Labour Party (LP), and the Obidient Movement.
This has further consolidated the party’s rising profile as a formidable opposition platform in the state and the country at large.
The high-profile defections took place during the ADC Imo State Mega Stakeholders’ Summit held on Tuesday, at the party’s State Secretariat in Owerri.
The development underscores the growing confidence of political leaders and stakeholders in the ADC’s leadership, structure, and reform-driven agenda.
Among the eminent figures who formally joined the ADC are; the South-East zonal woman leader of PDP, Hon Chief Mrs Ifeyinwa Arodiogbo; Hon. Chief Innocent NwaDavid, Imo State Chairman of the Labour Party; Hon. Dr. (Mrs.) Ngozi Njoku, former Commissioner and a leading figure in the Obidient Movement; and Chief Paul Mbadiwe, the son of the late nationalist, statesman, and foremost Nigerian patriot, Chief K.O. Mbadiwe.
Their defection, alongside other notable entrants, marks a decisive realignment within Imo State’s political landscape.
This was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by the State Publicity Secretary, Chief Macdonald Amadi and made available to journalists in Owerri.
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The Summit was chaired by former Governor of Imo State and former Minister of Commerce and Industry, Chief Achike Udenwa, and attracted an expansive cross-section of political, economic, and social leaders.
In attendance were former governors, current and former legislators, captains of industry, clergy, traditional rulers, women and youth leaders, artisans, civil society actors, party faithful, and grassroots mobilizers from across the 305 wards of the state.
Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and former Governor of Imo State, led the fundraising segment of the summit and formally presented the defectors to the party.
In his remarks, he commended the Professor James Okoroma–led State Executive Committee, describing ADC Imo State as a disciplined, cohesive, and strategically organized political structure capable of driving meaningful political change.
In separate goodwill messages, the defectors cited unwavering confidence in the ADC’s leadership, internal democracy, and ideological clarity as the basis for their decision.
The former PDP Southeast Zonal Woman Leader described her defection as a “return to family.” Hon.Innocent Davidson stated that his decision to join the ADC aligns with the broader political direction championed by Mr. Peter Obi, adding that he was leading the Labour Party structure in Imo State into the ADC.
Hon. Dr. (Mrs.) Ngozi Njoku characterized the ADC as a credible rescue platform with the capacity to offer alternative, people-oriented governance, while Chief Paul Mbadiwe affirmed that his decision was guided by enduring values of integrity, service, and national responsibility.
Responding on behalf of the party, the State Chairman, Professor James Okoroma, expressed profound appreciation to party leaders, stakeholders, and members for their collective commitment to strengthening the ADC across all 305 wards of Imo State.
He acknowledged the steadfast support and leadership contributions of Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, Chief Achike Udenwa, Engr. Gerald Irona, and Hon. Sir Bon Unachukwu, noting that the party is being methodically positioned for effective and competitive participation in the 2027 general elections.
Delivering goodwill messages on behalf of the national leadership, the ADC Southeast Zonal Chairman, Hon. Sir Bon Unachukwu, conveyed the commendation of the party’s National Chairman, Distinguished Senator David Mark, who described the Imo State Chapter of the ADC as a model of organizational discipline and strategic clarity for other state chapters nationwide.
Reaffirming his commitment to the party, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha described ADC Imo State as focused, energized, and forward-looking. He also commended Dr. Louis Nonye Obodo for his generous donation and installation of a 15KVA solar power system at the party’s state secretariat, a gesture widely applauded as a symbol of practical support for institutional development.
The Summit concluded with renewed expressions of confidence in the ADC’s readiness to offer a credible alternative and effectively challenge the ruling party in Imo State ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The event was attended by members of the State Working Committee, party leaders at state, local government, and ward levels, statutory delegates, diaspora representatives, and organized support groups led by Comr. (Dr.) Bryan Diamond Agu, Director-General of ADC Support Groups.
The party reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to people-centered governance and expressed strong optimism in securing the confidence and support of Ndi-Imo.
