Former zonal vice chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for Ebonyi Central Zone, Mr. Kevin Chukwu, has formally resigned from the party and defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), alongside more than 10,000 supporters drawn from various political parties.
The defection ceremony, held in his Enyimba Agalegu community in Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, attracted party stakeholders, loyalists, and residents from surrounding communities.
Addressing supporters, Chukwu disclosed that he officially submitted his resignation from the PDP on January 8 to his ward chairman, who acknowledged receipt.
He said the decision followed extensive consultations with his constituents and growing dissatisfaction with the 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 made it clear that it was not in their best interest.”
Chukwu explained that his move to the ADC was influenced not only by the wishes of his people but also by what he described as a broader national political shift. He noted that several prominent political figures across the country had also defected to the party in pursuit of a better future for Nigeria.
According to him, Nigerians are increasingly frustrated with unfulfilled political promises and are now demanding a new direction anchored on credible leadership and measurable 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 reorganizing his political base and strengthening the ADC in the area.
“The most important thing now is to organize 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 mobilized 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 Ebonyi state chairman of ADC, Jennifer Adibe, expressed excitement over the influx of new members led by Kelvin 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 Kelvin 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.
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“This is a coalition, and we must work together. We will harmonize interests and ensure that everyone is carried along. ADC is accommodating, as symbolized by our handshake logo”, she said.
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 emphasized harmonization 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.
