Former Governor Defects to ADC, Registered as ‘001’

Former Governor Defects to ADC, Registered as ‘001’

Udenwa, who governed Imo State between 1999 and 2007, formally registered as a member of the ADC at his Amaifeke Ward in Orlu Local Government Area, where he was symbolically enrolled as member number “001.”

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has recorded a major political breakthrough in Imo State following the defection of a former governor, Dr. Achike Udenwa, who officially joined the party in a move that has sent ripples across the state’s political landscape.

 

Udenwa, who governed Imo State between 1999 and 2007, formally registered as a member of the ADC at his Amaifeke Ward in Orlu Local Government Area, where he was symbolically enrolled as member number “001.” The development has drawn parallels with recent political events elsewhere in the country, particularly the registration of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, as number 001 following his own high-profile defection, underscoring a growing trend of senior political figures making strategic grassroots statements with their party moves.

 

The registration exercise took place at the ward level and was conducted by the Amaifeke Ward Secretary, Hon. Anthony Okoro. The Ward Chairman, Hon. Engr. Uzonna Oriowe, formally presented Dr. Udenwa with his ADC membership card amid cheers from party faithful and supporters who gathered to witness the moment. The event was also attended by several local and state party leaders, signaling the importance the ADC attaches to Udenwa’s entry.

Among those present was the ADC Chairman in Orlu Local Government Area, Chief Hon. Aloma Uchenna, alongside other party stakeholders from the Orlu zone. The atmosphere was described as celebratory, with many party members viewing the former governor’s decision as a significant boost to the ADC’s profile and prospects in Imo State ahead of the 2027 general elections.

 

Speaking shortly after his registration, Dr. Udenwa said his decision to join the ADC was not taken lightly, explaining that it followed extensive consultations and careful reflection on the current state of politics and governance in Nigeria. According to him, the ADC represents a credible alternative for Nigerians yearning for accountable leadership, internal democracy, and people-oriented governance.

 

“I joined the ADC because it is made up of people of integrity, many of whom I worked with during my administration,” Udenwa said. “The party offers a credible platform for accountable leadership and internal democracy. My decision is driven by service to the people and the need to strengthen governance in Imo State and Nigeria.”

 

The former governor also described his registration as member number 001 in his ward as deeply symbolic, stressing that it reflected his commitment to grassroots politics and people-centered leadership. He noted that starting his ADC journey from his ward was deliberate, as it reaffirmed his belief that sustainable political change must begin from the grassroots.

 

“This is my ward, and I am happy to start from here,” Udenwa stated. “Together, we will build a party that truly serves the interests of the people.”

 

At the state level, the Imo State Chairman of the ADC, Prof. James Okoroma, led members of the State Executive Committee and other party stakeholders from the Orlu zone to witness the registration. Other notable figures present at the event included Prof. Francis Ukaigkwe, Dr. Vin Udokwu, and several leaders and supporters of the party.

 

Prof. Okoroma described Udenwa’s defection as a landmark moment for the ADC in Imo State, noting that it was a strong indication of the growing confidence in the party’s leadership, vision, and organisational structure. According to him, the former governor’s entry would significantly strengthen the party as it intensifies efforts to expand its presence across the state.

 

 

“The entry of Chief Achike Udenwa into the ADC significantly strengthens our party,” Okoroma said. “Registering him as Number 001 in Amaifeke Ward underscores our commitment to grassroots mobilisation and statewide expansion.”

 

He further revealed that since the party’s declaration in Enugu on December 31, 2025, the ADC has witnessed a steady influx of interest from prominent political figures across different parties who are eager to align with its ideals and join its ranks.

 

“Since our Enugu declaration on December 31, 2025, we have received increasing interest from prominent individuals across political parties who are eager to join ADC,” he added.

 

Welcoming Udenwa into the party, the Amaifeke Ward Chairman, Engr. Uzonna Oriowe, expressed optimism that the former governor’s experience and political weight would greatly enhance the ADC’s chances in future elections. He described Udenwa as a seasoned leader whose decision to join the party would inspire confidence among voters and party members alike.

 

Similar sentiments were shared by the ADC Orlu Zonal Chairman, Hon. Ezeru Damian, and the Orlu LGA Chairman, Hon. Chief Alloy Oluigbo, popularly known as Aloma. They both praised Udenwa’s tenure as governor, describing his administration as one marked by relative stability and good governance. According to them, his defection signaled the beginning of a new political momentum in Imo State.

 

In his remarks to party members, Dr. Udenwa pledged his loyalty to the ADC and assured leaders and supporters of his commitment to helping build a strong and credible platform capable of addressing leadership failures and delivering meaningful development to the people.

 

“I am grateful for the warm reception into the ADC family,” he said. “I am leaving the PDP to help build a solid platform that can correct leadership failures and bring redemption to the people. ADC is filled with godly, disciplined, and visionary leaders.”

 

The former governor also used the occasion to call on residents of Imo State and Nigerians at large to join the ADC en masse, describing the party as a vehicle for political liberation and improved governance. He urged party leaders at all levels to remain united, open, and accommodating as the party continues to grow.

 

“Let us lead with love and unity,” Udenwa advised. “We must work hard, welcome newcomers warmly, and remain focused if we are to win elections and restore hope to our people.”

 

Political observers say Udenwa’s defection marks a significant turning point for the ADC in Imo State, as the party positions itself as a formidable opposition force ahead of future elections. With the growing wave of defections and endorsements, the ADC appears poised to play a more prominent role in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape as the countdown to 2027 gathers momentum.