2027: Place party interest above personal differences, Ihedioha tells ADC leaders

Former Imo State Governor and leader of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the state, Emeka Ihedioha, has urged party leaders and candidates from Okigwe Zone to prioritise the party’s interests over personal differences and resolve disagreements through constructive dialogue.

Ihedioha made the call during a strategic meeting held at the country home of Sir Stanley Ekezie in Isiala Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State. He commended the Okigwe Zone leadership for its coordinated efforts to maintain effective party operations across the area.

He praised the leaders for their commitment to building a strong political organisation, stressing that effective communication, mutual respect and collective responsibility were essential to achieving the party’s objectives.

Ihedioha specifically commended the Apex Leader of Okigwe Zone, Chief Emmanuel Okewulonu (Ikeoha Okigwe), and Sir Stanley Ekezie (Akajimba) for their leadership and contributions to coordinating party activities across Isiala Mbano, Ehime Mbano, Obowo, Ihitte/Uboma, Onuimo and Okigwe local government areas.

He encouraged them to sustain consultations, strengthen cooperation among stakeholders and continue providing effective direction for party activities across the zone.

The ADC leader emphasised that electoral success depended on more than fielding candidates, noting that an active support base, committed party officials, regular contact with voters and effective grassroots organisation were equally important.

He therefore urged leaders across the zone to maintain consistent engagement with their communities and ensure that party structures remained active throughout the period leading up to the elections.

Commending the ADC’s National Assembly and state assembly candidates for their awareness campaigns and grassroots engagement, Ihedioha acknowledged their efforts to introduce themselves to voters, communicate their political objectives and build relationships with constituents.

However, he urged them to intensify their activities through regular community visits, direct conversations with voters and closer collaboration with ward and local government officials.

He stressed that candidates must demonstrate a clear understanding of their constituents’ concerns and explain how they intended to address them through effective representation.

Ihedioha also called on voters to support the ADC in the forthcoming elections, describing the party as an alternative platform committed to democratic governance, the rule of law, accountable leadership and improved public service.

He encouraged the electorate to assess candidates based on their programmes, commitment to the people and capacity to provide responsible representation. He further urged party members to intensify voter education and promote peaceful participation in the electoral process.

Earlier, Ihedioha observed a minute of silence in honour of the late Mazie Emenike Mneregini, a former chief whip of the ADC in Imo State.

In his address, the Imo State ADC Chairman, Prof. James Okoroma, stressed the importance of discipline, effective coordination and organisational development in strengthening the party’s structures across the state.

He urged Okigwe Zone leaders and candidates to maintain close cooperation with the state leadership and translate the party’s sensitisation programme into sustained voter engagement.

He also encouraged candidates to work with ward and local government officials, identify operational challenges and address them through consultation and collective action.

Sir Stanley Ekezie (Akajimba), who hosted the meeting and is a prominent ADC leader in Okigwe Zone, also emphasised the need for practical cooperation among party leaders, candidates and members across the six local government areas.

He urged stakeholders to maintain open communication, support candidates’ grassroots activities and remain focused on expanding the party’s reach within their communities.

The meeting concluded with a renewed focus on candidate preparedness, polling unit sensitisation and improved coordination across Okigwe Zone.

The engagement formed part of the ADC’s broader efforts to strengthen its structures across Imo State, deepen voter engagement and improve its readiness for the forthcoming elections. It also formed part of the party’s ongoing polling unit sensitisation programme and consultations aimed at assessing candidates’ preparedness and strengthening grassroots organisation.

The meeting was attended by ADC candidates from the zone, except the party’s senatorial candidate, Chief Barr. Mrs Nkiru Ibekwe (Igolo Okigwe), who was reportedly outside the country. Discussions focused on voter awareness, candidate performance and effective engagement with communities.