The African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Saturday launched its campaign in Owerri ahead of the 2027 general elections, promising transparent governance and rapid grassroots transformation.

Speaking at the ceremony, the former Governor of Imo, Emeka Ihedioha, said the party was built on equality and trustworthy leadership.

Mr Ihedioha explained that he associated with the party’s candidates because of their integrity.

“I ran a government centred on the people, and drove the process of good governance with honesty and integrity,” he said.

He pointed out that the ADC candidates shared his political philosophy.

He regretted that the construction of 27 local government stadia and the expansion of the Adapalm plantation, initiated by his administration, were abandoned by successive administrations in the state.

Mr Ihedioha also said that electing ADC candidates would guarantee full administrative autonomy for local government councils, “enabling them to execute emergency road rehabilitations across rural communities in the state”.

The national chairman of the party, David Mark, represented by the national vice chairman, Bon Unachukwu, said the massive turnout of supporters signified widespread acceptance of the party.

Mr Mark urged the electorate to vote for all the ADC candidates “to end hardship and insecurity in Imo and Nigeria.

“When you vote ADC, you vote for prosperity, progress, and success,” he said.

Addressing the gathering, the Owerri zonal chairman of the party, Ben Mere, urged supporters to take the party’s message to every ward and village across the state.

Mr Mere assured party members that the ADC structure in the zone was united and fully prepared to secure victory in all elective positions in the upcoming polls.

Also speaking, the Imo East Senatorial Candidate of the party, Uchenna Ofoegbu, said his primary agenda was to “rescue the people from poverty and provide effective legislative representation”.

According to Mr Ofoegbu, the citizens were suffering from the effects of bad governance.

“Youth and women empowerment, rehabilitation of rural roads, and improved community healthcare delivery will form the focus of our campaign promises,” he said.

He also said the party would soon roll out vote-protection strategies to ensure that the people’s votes counted.

On his part, the House of Representatives candidate for Owerri Federal Constituency, Okey Amadi, described his candidacy as a “divine mandate supported by the electorate”.

“We promise a different kind of leadership that will guarantee security of lives, good medical services, and accountability through periodic presentation of our scorecards,” Mr Amadi said.

He also promised to provide strong legislative advocacy for his constituency if elected.

Other speakers at the event included the House of Assembly candidates, William Merem (Owerri North), Chidiebere Mere (Owerri Municipal) and Francis Ugorji (Owerri West), as well as the state chairman of the party, James Okoroma.

A major highlight of the event was the presentation of the party’s flag to its state and National Assembly candidates. 

(NAN)