Ibeabuchi made the announcement on Monday while addressing journalists in Abakaliki, describing his move as both ideological and strategic in response to what he termed worsening institutional fragility and public disillusionment across the country.
“We are not in a good condition in this country. The reality is evident even to those who may pretend otherwise. Nigeria is in a state of quagmire, and there is no ambiguity about it,” he said.
The human rights advocate, who currently serves as Chairman of the Human Rights Aid and Social Justice Initiative, stated that his decision followed extensive consultations with supporters and political associates.
According to him, many of them have pledged to align with him under the ADC platform as preparations gradually intensify toward the 2027 elections.
He described the ADC as a party driven by individuals with “competence, capacity, and verifiable records,” expressing confidence that it possesses the institutional depth required to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) at both national and subnational levels.
“Practically speaking, ADC is positioned to win in 2027. The momentum is organic. Nigerians are yearning for credible alternatives. What we are witnessing across the federation is not mere dissatisfaction but structural fatigue,” Ibeabuchi asserted.
Addressing skepticism about the viability of opposition coalitions, he attributed public hesitation to what he called the “psychology of fear of the unknown,” arguing that perceived political dominance is often sustained by exaggerated narratives rather than concrete realities.
“Most of the structures people fear are more mythical than material. Political dominance is sustained by perception. Once citizens overcome fear, democratic shifts become inevitable,” he said.
Ibeabuchi urged Nigerians contemplating political participation in 2027 to act with conviction, insisting that transformative change requires civic courage.
Tracing his ideological influences to global civil rights movements, he referenced the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr., drawing parallels between historic struggles against systemic injustice and Nigeria’s contemporary governance challenges. He cited the Montgomery Bus Boycott as an example of how organized civic resistance can reshape national trajectories.
“History teaches us that organized conviction can dismantle entrenched injustice. If you are created to fly, then fly. If you must walk, walk but move. Nations are transformed when citizens refuse paralysis,” he stated.
Projecting toward the 2027 electoral cycle, Ibeabuchi expressed optimism that the ADC would consolidate grassroots momentum and reposition itself as a formidable national contender.
He described his defection as “a movement rather than an individual shift,” claiming that a significant number of supporters are expected to join him within the new political platform.
“Nigeria can change again. But change will not come from fear. It will come from deliberate participation,” he concluded.
Observers noted that his defection adds to the evolving political dynamics in Ebonyi State as parties begin early maneuvering ahead of the next general elections.
