The African Democratic Congress (ADC), Imo State chapter, has recorded a major political boost following the defection of prominent leaders from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP), further strengthening the party’s growing influence in the state.
The high-profile defections occurred during the ADC Imo State Mega Stakeholders’ Summit held on Tuesday at the party’s state secretariat in Owerri.
Among the notable figures who formally joined the ADC are the PDP South-East Zonal Woman Leader, Hon. Chief Mrs Ifeyinwa Arodiogbo; Imo State Chairman of the Labour Party, Hon. Chief Innocent NwaDavid; former commissioner and Obidient Movement leader, Hon. Dr. (Mrs.) Ngozi Njoku; and Chief Paul Mbadiwe, son of the late nationalist and statesman, Chief K.O. Mbadiwe.
The development, disclosed in a statement on Thursday by the ADC State Publicity Secretary, Chief Macdonald Amadi, signals a significant realignment in Imo State’s political landscape.
The summit was chaired by former Imo State Governor and former Minister of Commerce and Industry, Chief Achike Udenwa, and attracted a wide range of political stakeholders, including former governors, legislators, traditional rulers, clergy, women and youth leaders, civil society actors, and grassroots mobilisers from across the state’s 305 wards.
Former Governor of Imo State and ex-Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, formally presented the defectors to the party and commended the Professor James Okoroma-led state executive for building a disciplined and well-organised political structure.
In separate remarks, the defectors cited confidence in the ADC’s leadership, internal democracy, and reform-driven agenda as reasons for their decision. Mrs Arodiogbo described her defection as a “return to family,” while Innocent NwaDavid said his move aligns with the political direction championed by Peter Obi, adding that he was leading the Labour Party structure in Imo State into the ADC.
Dr Ngozi Njoku described the ADC as a credible platform for people-oriented governance, while Chief Paul Mbadiwe said his decision was guided by values of integrity, service, and national responsibility.
Responding, the ADC State Chairman, Professor James Okoroma, thanked party leaders and members for their support, noting that the party is being strategically positioned for strong participation in the 2027 general elections.
