The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has suffered a major setback in Ebonyi State following the defection of its Deputy National Youth Leader (South East), Hon. Moses Odii Nweze, alongside over 2,000 supporters, to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The mass defection took place on Tuesday at Amanato Ward in Isu community, Onicha Local Government Area of the state, where party members formally declared their allegiance to the ADC.
Speaking during the event, the Ebonyi State Chairman of the ADC, Dr. Jennifer Nwafor-Adibe, described the development as a turning point for the party and the people of the state. She said the ADC was committed to improving the welfare of Nigerians by providing quality healthcare, basic social amenities and economic opportunities.
Dr. Nwafor-Adibe decried the prevailing economic hardship in the country, noting that the rising cost of living had made life unbearable for ordinary citizens.
“You see, when you go to the market with one million naira, you hardly buy anything meaningful. So, we said enough is enough. This is the time for us to take our destinies into our hands and fight for our future and that of our children,” she said.
She assured the people that the ADC, if voted into power, would prioritise people-oriented governance and ensure that leaders remain accountable to the electorate.
“This is not a party where you vote people into power and they forget you. Our manifesto and logo show that we believe in carrying one another along. Without the right leaders, we cannot move forward,” she added.
Earlier, leader of the defectors, Hon. Moses Odii Nweze, said his decision to leave the PDP was driven by the desire to liberate the people of Onicha Local Government Area from poverty and poor governance.
Nweze, a former Coordinator of the Onicha Development Centre, declared that the local government had been “delivered” to the ADC, while predicting further defections from both the PDP and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
“I am defecting because our people love the truth. ADC is the truth, and the truth must be unveiled. From today, ADC will be the song that will be sung in Onicha Local Government Area,” he said.
He accused the APC-led government of worsening poverty and hardship, insisting that the ADC represents a viable alternative for Nigerians seeking change.
“You will see more movement from APC to ADC. APC has been moved out of us and can never come back to rule Nigeria again. Our women, youths, adults and elders will all become members of ADC in Onicha,” Nweze declared.
The defection is seen as a significant boost for the ADC in Ebonyi State and a major political blow to the PDP as preparations for future elections gather momentum.
