The Ebonyi State Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dr. Mrs. Jennifer Adibe-Nwafor, has expressed deep concern over Nigeria’s worsening economic situation, describing the much-publicised Renewed Hope Agenda of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as a disappointment to Nigerians.
Dr. Adibe-Nwafor made this known on Tuesday during an extraordinary and critical stakeholders’ meeting of the ADC held at the residence of former Ebonyi State Governor, Dr. Sam Ominyi Egwu, in Umuebe Izhia in Ohaukwu LGA of Ebonyi State.
Addressing party stakeholders and supporters, the ADC chairman said the current realities facing Nigerians clearly show that it is time to change the nation’s political narrative.
She stressed that the ADC is prepared to offer an alternative leadership direction capable of addressing the country’s socio-economic challenges.
According to her, the ADC stands out as a party where both men and women are given equal opportunities to participate meaningfully in politics.
“This party is different from other parties, where men and women have a say in politics. People have seen things, and I think it is time for us to change the narrative.
"It is time for us to engage seriously and know what we need to do first, to take over power, and secondly, to change the narrative,” she stated.
She explained that the ADC’s objective goes beyond merely taking power from the APC, noting that the party is committed to formulating and implementing people-oriented policies that would reposition Nigeria for growth and development.
“It is not just about taking over power, but about what different things we have to offer the people — things that are different from what is currently being provided.
"I believe Nigeria will rise again. Not only will we rise, we will rise and shine.
"It is painful that while the current government talks about renewed hope, things are getting worse,” she lamented.
Also speaking at the meeting, former Governor of Ebonyi State and a prominent ADC leader, Senator Sam Egwu, expressed delight at the large turnout of party faithful and declared that the ADC is open to new members across the state and beyond.
Egwu, who described himself as a former loyal member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), said he joined the ADC-led coalition after the PDP lost its founding ideals.
“We all loved the PDP, but now that they have killed PDP, there is nothing we can do.
"Those who have left PDP and other parties to join ADC have done so because they believe this coalition can restore the country from the maladministration of the APC,” he said.
He distinguished between politicians who joined the ADC out of conviction and those who defected to the ruling party for personal interests, commending party members who remained steadfast in their quest for national rebirth.
Recalling recent political developments, Egwu disclosed that coalition leaders from across the country met in Abuja shortly after his resignation from the PDP, a move that culminated in a high-level South-East stakeholders’ meeting in Enugu involving prominent leaders, including Mr. Peter Obi.
“Most prominent Igbo leaders in the South East came together and told our people that we are joining ADC.
"After that meeting, the APC became very uncomfortable. They are feeling the heat, but there is nothing they can do,” he added.
The meeting was attended by national and state ADC leaders, coalition members, former local government chairmen, party executives from various local government areas, former development centre coordinators, and a large number of supporters, signalling growing momentum for the ADC in Ebonyi State and the South-East region.
