By Eze Victor
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has recorded a massive turnout as it conducted congresses across the 13 local government areas of Ebonyi State, covering 171 wards and 2,975 polling units.
The exercise, which took place on Thursday, is part of the party’s strategy to strengthen its grassroots structure ahead of the next electoral cycle.
Party officials said the process is expected to be concluded before the end of April nationwide.
Chairman of the Ebonyi State ADC Congress Committee, Uche Onyeagucha, disclosed that the party has abandoned the traditional delegates system, noting that candidates would emerge either through consensus or direct primaries.
“We will not be using national delegates. Candidates will emerge either through consensus or direct primaries. We assure members of a transparent process,” he said.
Onyeagucha explained that the decision was aimed at deepening internal democracy and ensuring broader participation among party members.
Also speaking, Secretary of the State Congress Committee, Barrister Sunday Udedibia, reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to delivering a credible and transparent exercise.
“Our aim is to ensure that we deliver on the mandate given to us and move the party forward,” he stated.
The State Chairman of ADC, Dr. Jennifer Adibe-Nwafor, described the turnout across the state as impressive, commending members for their active participation.
She urged party faithful to remain committed, adding that the party is determined to play a significant role in the evolving political landscape.
Adibe-Nwafor further disclosed that the party complied with provisions of the Electoral Act by formally notifying the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), while security agencies were on ground to monitor the process.
She added that the party’s primaries are scheduled to hold between April 23 and April 30.
In his remarks, the State Secretary for Electoral Matters and INEC Liaison Officer, Engr. Basil Imoke, described participation levels as encouraging in the areas he monitored.
“The turnout was massive, and participation levels were high,” he said.
In some parts of the state, officials emerged through consensus. In Ezza North Local Government Area, Oshim Ekuma was re-elected as chairman, while Chika Igwe and Peace Nwafor were returned in Okposi Ward.
Similarly, in Ekka Ward, Anayo Nwankwo, who also emerged as chairman, attributed the peaceful conduct of the exercise to the adoption of consensus.
Party members noted that the early conduct of the congresses underscores ADC’s resolve to reposition itself and strengthen its base ahead of the 2027 general elections.