The immediate past governor of Imo State, His Excellency Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, has officially announced his defection to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Speaking to leaders of his grassroots-based Rebuild Imo Movement (RIM) at his Civil Centre residence on Friday, Ihedioha declared, “My party, your party, our party is now ADC. That is the way to go. That is the party for all of us.”
Addressing the RIM leadership, the former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives emphasized the importance of strengthening the ADC at the grassroots level. He urged the leaders to return to their chapters, wards, local government areas (LGAs), and geopolitical zones to build the party as a truly people-oriented political platform. “Our strength is the people, the masses. We already have representation in all the 305 wards in the state, and our structure across the 27 LGAs and three geopolitical zones is strong, viable, and functional,” he stated. “Just go home and invigorate our RIM structure which is highly effective and superb.”
Ihedioha, who was honored with the Omenkeahuruanya title in recognition of his significant achievements during his tenure in the House of Representatives, expressed profound gratitude to his supporters for their unwavering patience and loyalty while awaiting a new political home. “I must thank all of you here and those who are not here, for your steadfastness, support, and patience. I commend the Director-General of our RIM structure for his administrative ingenuity. I appreciate all state executive members, zonal, LGA, and ward leaders,” he said.
He also acknowledged the critical role played by women and youth in the movement, singling out the state women leader, Lady Ijeoma Domike, for her dedication. “Together, we shall triumph,” Ihedioha enthused.
The announcement was met with elation and renewed enthusiasm among the RIM leaders, who see the move to ADC as a dramatic and sensational launch into the mainstream political arena after their mass resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in April of the previous year.
This strategic shift marks a new chapter for Ihedioha and his supporters as they seek to consolidate their influence and advance their political agenda under the banner of the African Democratic Congress.
