Politics

IHEODIOHA AND THE ADC IMBROGLIO: WHEN CREDIBILITY BECOMES A MOVEMENT

Published

8 months ago

September 30, 2025

Ugochimereze Chinedu Asuzu

“Great leaders do not force people to follow – they simply walk a path so compelling that others choose to walk it with them.”

To accuse Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha of “hijacking” the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is not only laughable but betrays a deep misunderstanding of both his political stature and the evolving nature of modern coalition politics. Men of his calibre do not hijack political structures; they attract them. What has unfolded in Imo State is not a seizure of control but a convergence – a strategic coalition-building process, transparently anchored and duly sanctioned by the National Working Committee (NWC), aimed at bringing together credible blocs under a single umbrella for a stronger democratic alternative.

It is imperative to understand that ADC in Imo today operates on two complementary planes: as a political party and as a coalition platform. The latter is deliberately designed to harness the collective strengths of various political forces, build bridges where divisions once stood, and provide a formidable vehicle capable of winning elections. What the coalition model essentially did was to accord every bloc equal rights, responsibilities, and opportunities to contribute. But politics, by its very nature, rewards depth and capacity – and therefore, the extent of a bloc’s visibility or influence within the coalition is naturally proportional to the strength of its structure and the weight of its participation. It would be illogical to expect a group with only a handful of members to be more dominant than one that came into the coalition with an already formidable statewide presence. In this context, the entry of the Rebuild Imo Movement is neither unusual nor intrusive – it is the most organic evolution of a coalition designed to aggregate strength.

The truth is that the Rebuild Imo Movement is not just another bloc; it is a deeply entrenched political force with robust organisational capacity and an active presence in all 305 wards of the state. Long before the coalition conversation began, this movement had become a household name in grassroots mobilisation, community engagement, and policy advocacy – more structured and more visible than many full-fledged political parties in Imo. Therefore, anyone who raises eyebrows at their visible footprint within ADC is not defending the party but inadvertently weakening the coalition’s strategic edge.

Moreover, the loyalty and confidence Ihedioha commands are not manufactured; they are earned. When he exited his former party, a significant portion of its membership exited with him – not because of any promised reward or immediate plan, but out of conviction and trust in his political compass. They tarried with him even when there was no definitive direction, an attestation to the depth of his credibility and the strength of his relationship with the grassroots. That kind of political capital cannot be decreed; it must be built, one decade, one alliance, one act of service at a time.

Those peddling the narrative of a “hijack” do so, not because any constitutional breach has occurred, but because they are yet to reconcile with the simple fact that relevance in politics is earned, not allocated. What they mischaracterise as takeover is, in reality, the gravitational pull of leadership. Ihedioha doesn’t capture structures – he builds them. He doesn’t impose his will – he inspires consensus. His political journey has always been one of meticulous strategy, structured inclusiveness, and coalition-building anchored on shared values and collective ambition.

The truth is that the ADC is not under siege; it is undergoing strategic consolidation. It is not fractured; it is being fortified. And as the state begins to look toward 2027, what will matter is not the noise of disgruntled voices seeking relevance, but the weight of enduring structures and the credibility of those who lead them.

The coalition is not a liability – it is, in truth, our most strategic asset, the living proof that strength is born of unity and purpose. And within that coalition, the presence, pedigree, and proven political weight of Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, CON, KSC are not subjects for debate; they are the cornerstone upon which victory itself will be constructed. It is precisely this undeniable reality that unsettles the faint-hearted, unnerves the opportunists, and makes certain fifth columnists tremble at the mere sound of his name – even when it comes as softly as a sneeze.

After all, the ancient jurists taught us a principle as timeless as it is unassailable: ex nihilo nihil fit – you cannot place something on nothing and expect it to stand. Aloha

Ugochimereze Chinedu Asuzu
Public Affairs Analyst | September 30, 2023

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Fubara To Contest Rivers Governorship Seat Under NDC

Published

2 hours ago

May 21, 2026

Ekwutos Blog

A Rivers State politician, Blessing Fubara, has declared his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election in Rivers State under the platform of the Nigeria Democratic Congress.

The politician has already obtained both the nomination and expression of interest forms needed to participate in the governorship race ahead of the 2027 election.

Blessing Fubara shares the same surname and local government area with the current Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.

Both men are from Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area. However, there has been no confirmation that they are family members.

The Chairman of the NDC in Rivers State, Success Jack, confirmed that Blessing Fubara is among those seeking the party’s governorship ticket.

He also stated that he could not confirm whether the governorship aspirant is related to Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

According to him, the party is preparing seriously for the 2027 general elections and hopes to win not only the governorship seat but other elective positions in Rivers State.

The development comes weeks after Blessing Fubara left the All Progressives Congress and joined the NDC.

Following his defection in Abuja, he was received by former Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, alongside other leaders and members of the party.

After joining the NDC, Blessing Fubara said his decision was taken for the interest of Rivers people.

He also stated that the future of the state must be protected ahead of the next general election, expressing confidence that the state would experience positive changes after the 2027 polls.

Politics

Desmond Elliot Withdraws from APC Lagos Assembly Primaries, Cites Intimidation

Published

8 hours ago

May 21, 2026

Ekwutos Blog

Surulere I lawmaker Desmond Elliot has withdrawn from the All Progressives Congress Lagos House of Assembly primaries, citing intimidation across multiple zones.

In a viral video posted online, the lawmaker said he was stepping out of the race despite seeking re-election under the APC. He alleged that his supporters faced intimidation during the process in several parts of the constituency.

Elliot’s decision came as the primaries held across Lagos on Tuesday. Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila, who represents Surulere Federal Constituency, praised the conduct of the exercise in Surulere, describing it as peaceful.

The withdrawal narrows the contest for the APC ticket in Surulere I ahead of the 2027 general election. Party officials in Lagos have not yet responded to Elliot’s claims, and the APC state chapter has not announced whether the primary in the constituency will proceed with other aspirants.

Elliot has represented Surulere I in the Lagos State House of Assembly since 2015.

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Politics

Political Shockwave in Rivers as Fubara Pulls Out of APC Governorship Race, Backs Party’s Candidate

Published

9 hours ago

May 21, 2026

Ekwutos Blog

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has officially withdrawn from the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primaries scheduled to take place on Thursday, a development that has stirred fresh political conversations across the state.

The governor announced his decision in a personally signed statement titled “My Decision to Withdraw from the Rivers State Gubernatorial Primaries,” which was released on Wednesday night.

In the statement, Fubara explained that his withdrawal followed wide consultations with political associates, stakeholders, and supporters. He stated that the decision was taken in the overall interest of peace, unity, and stability within the APC and Rivers State at large.

According to the governor, politics should not be allowed to divide the people or create unnecessary tension within the party. He stressed that preserving unity among party members and maintaining stability in the state remain more important than personal political ambition.

Fubara further pledged his total loyalty and support to whoever eventually emerges as the APC governorship candidate, assuring party faithful that he remains committed to the success and progress of the party ahead of the next general elections.

The Rivers governor also appreciated his supporters across the state for standing by him throughout the political process. He thanked party leaders, youth groups, women supporters, and political associates who had continued to show him solidarity and encouragement.

He urged his supporters not to see his withdrawal as the end of his political journey, but rather as a decision made in the collective interest of the party and the state. He also appealed to them to remain peaceful, united, and committed to the ideals of the APC.

Political observers have described the development as one of the biggest political surprises in Rivers State in recent times, especially considering the growing speculations and intense political alignments ahead of the governorship primaries.

Analysts believe the governor’s withdrawal may reshape the political calculations within the APC and influence the direction of the party’s governorship race moving forward.

The announcement has continued to generate mixed reactions from political stakeholders and residents across Rivers State. While some supporters described the move as strategic and mature, others expressed surprise over the governor’s sudden exit from the contest.

Several party faithful, however, commended Fubara for placing party unity and stability above personal ambition, noting that his decision may help reduce internal tensions and strengthen the APC ahead of the elections.

The development has also intensified attention on the remaining aspirants contesting for the APC governorship ticket, as consultations and political meetings continue ahead of the primary election.

Many observers believe the governor’s endorsement of the eventual APC candidate could play a major role in shaping the outcome of the party’s governorship battle and future political structure in the state.

As political activities continue to gather momentum in Rivers State, all eyes are now on the APC primaries and the next phase of political developments expected to unfold in the coming days.