Dr. Jennifer Adibe-Nwafor, the State Chairman of ADC, said the primaries recorded massive turnout, with party members showing high enthusiasm and commitment to democratic participation.
“Today’s primaries were free and fair. People turned out en masse to participate. We now have chairmanship candidates in Ezza North, Ishielu, and Ohaukwu Local Government Areas, alongside councilorship candidates,” she stated.
Adibe-Nwafor confirmed that while most local government areas have concluded primaries, others were still ongoing.
“For now, we have concluded with eight councillors and three chairmen. By the end of today, all primaries will be concluded and the party will officially flag off its campaign,” she said.
The ADC chairman stressed that the party’s campaign would be issue-based and free of violence.
“My charge to all candidates is to avoid violence. Campaigning should be about ideas, not intimidation. Let the people know what you can do differently and better than others,” she said.
Adibe-Nwafor also emphasized the importance of unity within the party, noting that political disagreements should not divide members.
She commended a notable act of political maturity in one of the LGAs, where an aspirant voluntarily stepped down for a female candidate.
“It was not coerced. It was the spirit of sportsmanship. He believed the woman could do better and willingly supported her,” she added.
Adibe-Nwafor maintained that ADC remains prepared to take over local government councils in Ebonyi, promising to run a clean, issue-based campaign and to deliver meaningful governance if elected.
“Our party is ready. We are prepared to govern. When we flag off our campaigns, you will see that ADC is serious about taking over,” she said.
The party’s newly elected chairmanship candidate for Ezza North LGA, Mr. Stanley Anyigor, expressed gratitude and pledged a transformative administration if elected.
“I am glad and grateful. I have been in active politics since 1999 and have learned a lot. If elected, my administration will tackle poverty, illiteracy, and unemployment. We will also ensure transparency and fight corruption,” he said.
In Ohaukwu LGA, Mrs. Ebere Uchenna, the ADC chairmanship candidate, urged members to give her 100% support, promising to “turn things around” and introduce a new era of governance.
“I am confident of winning, one million percent. This is a new party and a new era. We must show that there is a difference,” she declared.
She also thanked the aspirant who stepped down for her, praying for his protection and success.
Engineer Bassey Imoke, ADC Secretary of Electoral Matters and Chairman of the State Electoral Committee, described the election as credible and transparent.
He explained that the party adopted a direct primary system and that aspirants were encouraged to reconcile and harmonize before voting.
“After discussions, the candidates agreed and we proceeded with the election. A total of 804 votes were cast in favour of Hon. Ebere Uchenna, who emerged winner,” he said.
He urged party members to rally behind the candidates and intensify grassroots campaigns, emphasizing that local government elections are about people and communities.
