The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the South East is facing fresh internal tensions following the massive influx of top political figures into its fold, prompting the zonal leadership of the party to convene an emergency Expanded Zonal Working Committee meeting.
The meeting, scheduled for Thursday, July 10, 2025, at Sunshine Hotel & Guest House, Enugu, comes in the wake of the defection of former Imo State governor, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, and his Rebuild Imo Movement (RIM) into the ADC.
Ihedioha’s move, political analysts say, has dramatically shifted the political calculus in Imo State.
Adding to the growing momentum, strong indications point to former Minister of State for Education, Hon. Emeka Nwajiuba, and Labour Party’s 2023 governorship candidate in Imo, Senator Athan Achonu, as the next big political figures likely to pitch their tents with the ADC. Their rumored defection has further heightened anticipation and unease within the party’s ranks.
Party insiders revealed that existing ADC executives across South East states are increasingly worried about their positions in the face of this wave of political heavyweights.
“There’s growing fear among our state and zonal leaders that the new entrants may push them aside or completely alter the existing power structure,” said a party source who spoke on condition of anonymity.
The apprehension is not unconnected to last week’s leadership shake-up at the national level.
The former National Chairman of ADC, Ralph Nwosu, and his entire executive committee stepped down to allow for the takeover of the party’s leadership by the opposition coalition.
Senator David Mark and former Minister, Rauf Aregbesola were appointed as interim National Chairman and interim National Secretary respectively, signaling a dramatic realignment of forces within the ADC.
This development followed the formal adoption of ADC as the political platform of a powerful opposition coalition comprising former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, and former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai.
In a notice signed by Chilos Godsent, ADC’s National Vice Chairman South East, and ThankGod Ofoelue, Zonal Publicity Secretary, the meeting’s agenda was left undisclosed.
However, sources hinted that discussions would likely center on harmonizing party structures, managing the influx of high-profile politicians, and ensuring existing ADC chieftains are not completely displaced.
The notice reads in part: “Attendance is mandatory for NEC/ZWC members from the South East, State Working Committee members, candidates of ADC in the 2023 elections, and nominated party leaders/chieftains.”
“This meeting is crucial,” a party chieftain from Anambra said.
He continued “We must find a balance between accommodating these political bigwigs and protecting the efforts of those who kept ADC alive in the South East zone for years.”
Observers say the situation underscores the growing influence of ADC in the South East and the heightened stakes ahead of the 2027 general elections.
With political heavyweights flooding into the party and existing leaders fighting to maintain relevance, the outcome of Thursday’s meeting could define the trajectory of ADC in the region.
As one analyst put it, “The ADC’s strength right now lies in its ability to attract powerful politicians, but if not carefully managed, this strength could turn into its greatest weakness.”
