By Amb. Nwosu Patrick Stanley
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Okigwe Zone on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, witnessed a significant political engagement as the former Governor of Imo State and leader of the party in the state, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, alongside the state chairman, Prof. James Okoroma, visited the zone to interact with party stakeholders and candidates ahead of the 2027 general election.
The meeting, held at the residence of Chief Sir Stanley Ekezie Akajimba in Umunkwo, Isiala Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State, attracted prominent party leaders, local government chairmen, stakeholders, and candidates from across Okigwe Zone.
The engagement provided an opportunity to assess the party’s level of preparedness, review progress across the various local government areas, and identify challenges requiring urgent attention. Reports presented by the local government chapters highlighted areas of progress and those requiring strategic intervention to strengthen the party’s structures and improve grassroots mobilisation ahead of the forthcoming elections.
Welcoming the state leadership and members of the State Executive Committee, the ADC leader in Okigwe Zone, Sir Chimezie Onuoha, popularly known as Sir Chimex, expressed appreciation to Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, Prof. James Okoroma, and other state executives for honouring the invitation and demonstrating their commitment to the growth of the party in the zone.
He described the visit as an important step toward strengthening internal cohesion, enhancing collaboration among party leaders, and consolidating the ADC’s political presence across Okigwe Zone.
Chief Sir Stanley Ekezie Akajimba, who hosted the meeting and represented the ADC senatorial candidate for Okigwe Zone, Hon. Chief Barr. Lady Nkiru Ibekwe, popularly known as Igolo, also expressed gratitude to the state leadership and party executives across the wards and local government areas for their dedication to the party.
Akajimba briefed the visiting leaders on the progress recorded so far and commended stakeholders for their contributions to building a formidable political structure in the zone. He particularly appreciated the ADC candidates for Okigwe North and Okigwe South Federal Constituencies for their tremendous support and commitment to the growth of the party.
In his address, the state chairman, Prof. James Okoroma, commended the people of Okigwe Zone for their support and specifically acknowledged Chief Sir Stanley Ekezie Akajimba for his leadership and contributions to strengthening the party in Isiala Mbano.
He described the ADC as a growing political force in Isiala Mbano, attributing the progress recorded to the dedication and leadership of Akajimba. He further emphasised the need for unity, collective responsibility, and strategic coordination among party members, urging stakeholders to take ownership of the ADC project and work diligently toward securing victory for the party’s candidates in 2027.
Prof. Okoroma also stressed the importance of the forthcoming general election and called for sustained grassroots mobilisation, effective organisation, and greater commitment from party members and supporters. He subsequently received progress reports from the various local government chapters, providing an opportunity to assess their preparedness and address areas requiring improvement.
Addressing the gathering, the ADC candidates for Okigwe North and Okigwe South Federal Constituencies, Barr. Sir Emmanuel Iheanyichukwu Egejurum PhD, popularly known as Bambas, and Barr. Sir Chuks Ogbonna Nwolokoro, respectively, declared their readiness for the electoral contest ahead.
Both candidates expressed confidence in the party’s prospects and reaffirmed their commitment to delivering effective, responsive, and result-oriented representation if elected into the House of Representatives.
They appealed to party leaders, members, and supporters to take collective ownership of the political project, stressing that the success of the ADC would depend on unity, dedication, and the willingness of every stakeholder to contribute meaningfully to the campaign.
The candidates assured the people of their determination to represent their interests effectively at the National Assembly, with a commitment to advancing the development and welfare of their respective constituencies.
The former governor and state party leader, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, in his remarks, commended the candidates for their commitment and described them as individuals with the capacity to deliver on the responsibilities of public office.
He spoke positively about the qualities of the ADC candidates, expressing confidence in their ability to provide meaningful representation and advance the interests of their constituents. He also commended the party’s senatorial candidate for Okigwe Zone, Hon. Chief Barr. Lady Nkiru Ibekwe, and explained the circumstances surrounding her emergence as the party’s candidate, urging members and supporters to rally behind her ambition.
Ihedioha further conveyed a goodwill message from Chief Sir Emma Okewulonu, popularly known as Ikeoha, assuring the gathering that he would return soon to join the movement.
Reflecting on his tenure as governor of Imo State, the former governor highlighted the achievements recorded during his administration and reiterated the importance of purposeful leadership, effective governance, and a commitment to public service.
He charged party stakeholders, members, and supporters to intensify efforts toward strengthening the ADC’s structures, particularly in areas where further work was required. He emphasised that the party’s success in the 2027 general election would depend not merely on political declarations but on practical action, effective grassroots engagement, and the collective determination of its members.
The meeting concluded with a renewed call for unity, stronger organisational structures, and sustained mobilisation across Okigwe Zone as the ADC intensifies preparations for the 2027 general election.
The engagement further underscored the party leadership’s commitment to working closely with stakeholders and candidates to consolidate its presence across the zone and build a stronger platform for electoral success.
Amb. Nwosu Patrick Stanley
Publicity Secretary
ADC, Okigwe Zone
