Nkechinyere Ewa
The Ebonyi State Chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has voiced deep concern over Nigeria’s worsening economic conditions, particularly under the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government and its much-publicised Renewed Hope Agenda.
Speaking in an expanded stakeholders meeting in Ebonyi, Dr. Mrs. Jennifer Nwafor-Adibe, chairman of ADC in Ebonyi explained that ADC is a movement with one agenda which is to bring Nigerian out of bad governance through all inclusive leadership.
According to her, the prevailing hardship across the country underscores the urgent need for a change in leadership and direction.
Dr. Nwafor-Adibe stated that the ADC is prepared to take over power from the APC and offer alternative governance anchored on people-oriented policies capable of addressing Nigeria’s socio-economic challenges. She described the ADC as a party that promotes inclusive participation, where both men and women have equal voices in the political process.
“This party is different from others. People have experienced enough, and I believe it is time to change the narrative. We must engage ourselves seriously to know what needs to be done—first, to take over power, and second, to rewrite the story of governance in Nigeria,” she said.
She emphasized that the ADC’s mission goes beyond merely replacing the APC in power, noting that the party is focused on formulating fresh policies that would reposition the country and restore hope to Nigerians.
“It is not just about taking over power, but about what new and better alternatives we can offer the people, different from what they are currently experiencing. I believe Nigeria will rise again. We will not only rise but shine, even as the present government speaks of renewed hope while conditions continue to worsen,” she added.
Also speaking at the meeting, the first civilian Governor of Ebonyi State, Senator. Sam Ominyi Egwu, expressed satisfaction with the large turnout of party faithful and announced that the ADC remains open to new members.
Senator. Egwu disclosed that he was once deeply committed to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) but decided to leave after what he described as the collapse of the party, prompting him to join a coalition movement aimed at rescuing the country from what he termed the misrule of the APC.
“We all loved the PDP, but they killed it. There was nothing left to hold on to. Those leaving PDP and other parties to join ADC are doing so out of conviction, believing that ADC can help restore this country. This is different from those who defect for personal gain to the ruling party,” he said.
He commended party members who had remained steadfast over the years, urging them to applaud themselves for choosing unity and collective interest over personal ambition.
Recalling events leading to the coalition movement, senator Egwu noted that leaders from across the country met in Abuja shortly after his exit from the PDP, a development that later culminated in a major South-East stakeholders’ meeting in Enugu involving prominent leaders, including Mr. Peter Obi, where they announced their decision to join the ADC.
He claimed that the growing acceptance of the ADC has unsettled the APC, adding that the ruling party has become increasingly uncomfortable with the coalition’s momentum.
The extraordinary and critical stakeholders’ meeting was attended by ADC national leaders from Ebonyi State, coalition leaders, former local government chairmen, ADC LGA chairmen, former development centre coordinators, and a large number of party supporters.