With less than eight months to Nigeria’s crucial presidential election scheduled for Saturday, January 16, 2027, attention is shifting to the major political figures expected to lead the African Democratic Congress to victory across the South East geopolitical zone.
The South East, made up of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo States, is expected to play a decisive role in the 2027 presidential race, and several influential political heavyweights are already being positioned as key drivers of the ADC’s campaign structure in the region.
At the center of the movement is Chief Ralph Nwosu, the founding National Chairman of the ADC and one of the longest serving political organizers in Nigeria. Nwosu became widely known after defeating Peter Obi during the 2002 governorship primaries of APGA before later stepping down following the intervention of the late Igbo leader, Chief Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu. Political insiders believe his deep roots in South East politics and national connections make him a major asset for the ADC ahead of the election.
Another major force is Senator Augustine Akobundu, the current Senator representing Abia Central Senatorial District since 2023. Akobundu recently secured the ADC senatorial ticket for the 2027 election and remains one of the party’s strongest political figures in Abia State. Supporters describe him as a disciplined grassroots mobilizer with growing influence across the South East.
Former Imo State Governor and former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha, is also expected to play a leading role in the ADC’s regional strategy. Ihedioha served as Deputy Speaker between 2011 and 2015 before becoming Governor of Imo State from 2019 to 2020. His supporters continue to insist that his removal from office remains controversial, while many political observers still regard him as one of the most influential politicians in Imo State and across the South East.
Chief Emeka Nwajiuba, former Minister of State for Education between 2019 and 2022, is another powerful name expected to strengthen the ADC structure. Nwajiuba contested the APC presidential primaries in 2022 and is widely respected for his national reach and strong northern political relationships. Known for speaking Hausa fluently, he is considered very close to influential political interests linked to former President Muhammadu Buhari and the Katsina political bloc.
Veteran politician Chief Ikeobasi Mokelu also remains a major political force within the ADC family. Mokelu previously served as Minister of Information during the administration of General Sani Abacha and is known for maintaining strong ties with several northern political power brokers, including Kashim Imam, Zango Daura, and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
Political analysts say the combined influence, experience, and nationwide connections of these leaders could position the ADC as a serious force across the South East in the 2027 presidential election.
According to members of Afa Igbo Efuna Worldwide, the organization’s team of political scientists and investigative researchers carried out extensive background checks on the listed leaders and concluded that they possess the political strength, experience, and capacity needed to deliver a strong electoral performance for the ADC across the region.
The group has therefore called on former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the ADC leadership led by David Mark to seriously consider choosing a vice presidential candidate from the South East geopolitical zone ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
