PDP zonal vice chair, 5,000 loyalists defect to ADC in Ebonyi
PDP zonal vice chair, 5,000 loyalists defect to ADC in Ebonyi
Vice Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ebonyi Central Zone, Chief Kevin Chukwu, has formally resigned from the party and defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), alongside over 10,000 supporters from Ezza North, Ezza South, Ishielu and Ikwo local governments that make up the zone.
His loyalists in other political parties, including the Labour Party, All Progressives Congress and All Progressives Grand Alliance, also defected with him to the ADC.
The defection ceremony, which took place on Sunday evening at his Enyimba Agalegu community in Ikwo Local Government Area of the state, attracted party stakeholders, supporters and residents from neighbouring communities.
Addressing the crowd, Chukwu announced that his resignation from the PDP was officially tendered on January 8 and submitted to his ward chairman, who acknowledged receipt. He explained that his decision was driven largely by consultations with his people and a growing dissatisfaction with the current political direction of major parties.
“Politics is local. You cannot play politics away from your locality,” he said. “The position I was in politically was affecting my people, and when I returned home, they told me clearly that it was not good.”
He stated that his movement to the ADC was not only influenced by the wishes of his constituents but also by what he described as a national political trend, noting that several political stalwarts had also defected to the party in pursuit of what he called a better future for Nigeria.
According to him, Nigerians are increasingly tired of unfulfilled promises and are now seeking a new political direction that prioritises credible leadership and tangible development.
“We are tired of getting promises here and there. We now want to elect leaders who will do the right thing and move Nigeria forward,” he declared.
Chukwu said he was yet to decide whether he would contest any political position in the 2027 general elections, stressing that his immediate focus was on reorganising his political base and strengthening the ADC in the area.
“The most important thing now is to organise my political life… With ADC, I believe I will be able to shape my political future, either to contest or support others,” he noted.
He described the turnout at the event as overwhelming, claiming that more than 10,000 supporters had joined him in the defection, adding that many of them mobilised themselves without financial inducement.
Chukwu urged Nigerians, particularly his constituents, to embrace what he described as a “new political circle” and align with parties they believe hold the future of the country.
Welcoming the new members, the State Chairman of ADC, Dr Jennifer Adibe, expressed excitement over the influx of new members led by Kevin Chukwu.
She said the decision of the defectors to join ADC followed a careful review of the party’s manifesto and ideology.
“I am very, very happy to receive members from PDP, Labour Party and other parties led by Chief Kevin Chukwu,” Adibe said. “After looking at our manifesto, they agreed that this is the right place to be.”
According to her, all the executive members of the PDP from the defectors’ bloc have formally joined ADC, stressing that the party is committed to integrating them fully into its existing structure.
“This is a coalition, and we must work together,” she noted. “We will harmonise interests and ensure that everyone is carried along. ADC is accommodating, as symbolised by our handshake logo.”
Adibe contrasted the emerging coalition with past political alliances that failed to meet public expectations, insisting that the ADC-led coalition is different because of the quality of leaders involved and their shared commitment to the welfare of Nigerians.
“This coalition has the interest of Nigerians at heart. It is not like the ones we have seen in the past. You will see the difference when we begin to win elections,” she said.
Addressing concerns about managing diverse interests within the growing coalition, the ADC chairman emphasised harmonisation rather than exclusion, adding that the party would avoid domination by any single group.
“We will not have parallel structures or parallel governments. When people are accommodated, there will be unity,” she stated.
The event ended with the formal presentation of ADC membership cards to the new entrants.
The defection is seen as a significant boost for the ADC in Ebonyi State, as it continues to expand its influence ahead of the 2027 elections.
