The African Democratic Congress (ADC) Abia state , commenced its Membership Mobilisation, Registration, and Revalidation (MMRR) drive with a call for members of the Coalition to spread the message to the grassroots.
During his opening remarks at the launch of the MMRR on Saturday at the Kolping Society in Umuahia, Abia State, the National Chairman of the Party, Senator David Mark, represented by the National Welfare Secretary Nkem Ukandu, stated that the exercise was a conscious effort to restructure and legitimise the Party.
He affirmed that there will be no imposition of candidates, no bypassing of due process, but that candidates will be chosen based on credibility and meritocracy as it is the key difference between ADC and other parties.
“We are not unprepared or disorganised. We will not allow administrative bottlenecks to hinder the progress of the party.”
Speaking further, he said the leadership in Abia State will be determined through legitimate processes, not claims, or support of a stakeholder but giving everybody a chance to belong.
“If you seek a political home where your voice matters and your interests are protected, then come to ADC. ADC stands firmly on principles of fairness, accountability, and transparency. ADC in Abia State remains united, and the door is open to all. Abia will not be sidelined or disillusioned but will actively participate in the democratic process.”
Contributing, Dame Ngozi Onuoha Orji, Chairperson of the Membership, Mobilisation, Revalidation, and Registration Committee (MMRR), welcomed attendees to this significant event and emphasised that ADC, as an inclusive and people-oriented party, does not discriminate, as evidenced by the launch of the registration process. The MMRR aims to provide people with a political home and embodies the spirit of change. A house divided cannot achieve great heights. ADC in Abia State must abandon factional mentalities, which is why the registration process has commenced. It is ineffective if support is merely based on stakeholder preferences. ADC is a party for everyone, where each member’s rights are protected. We must build a party that serves as a reference point, not only in Nigeria but globally. As Peter Obi says, ‘a new Nigeria is possible.”
In their goodwill messages, former Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Hon. Suleiman Ukandu, described ADC as a ‘political Messiah’ and encouraged all in the State, asserting that the party has many programmes and a manifesto that will be clearly communicated.
Hon. Uko Nkole, a former member of the House of Representatives expressed that the exercise is inclusive and compared politics to a casket borne by everyone. He warned that APC has already rigged elections if vigilance is not maintained and urged unity among the people in the registration drive.
“If you seek a political home where your voice matters and your interests are protected, then come to ADC. ADC stands firmly on principles of fairness, accountability, and transparency. ADC in Abia State remains united, and the door is open to all. Abia will not be sidelined or disillusioned but will actively participate in the democratic process.”
In a vote of thanks, Barrister Etigwe Uwa SAN commended the members for their widespread participation and highlighted that party registration is a crucial step towards electoral success.
A highlight of the event was the unveiling of a new national party membership card, which will be distributed to each Local Government Area (LGA) and subsequently to various wards. A new party register was also presented, with the National Party Welfare Secretary warning that no other party register exists aside from the official one given to the 184 wards which contains security numbers and warned that all members must be vigilant as no other register exists apart from the ones presented.
Present at the event were also the member representing Abia South Senatorial District Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, Mr Chinenye Igwe, Mazi Kalu O. Kalu, Barrister Kanu O Kanu , Chief Uchenna Okagbuo, Pastor Uchen Ndom (ADC Abia State Secretary), former SSG for Abia State, Dr Eme Okoro, Honourable Chinwendu Apugo, Rt. Hon. Eziuche Ubani, Barrister Suleiman Ukandu, Comrade Paul Ogechi Nwagbala (Assistant Youth Party leader South East), Barrister Longman Emeka Nwachukwu, Ugoeze Obioma, and numerous other dignitaries.
