Former Governor Achike Udenwa Defects to ADC in Imo State

In a move that has recalibrated the political scales of Imo State, former Governor Achike Udenwa has officially dumped the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The veteran politician formalized his exit from his long-term political home on Thursday, choosing his ancestral roots in Amaifeke Ward, Orlu Local Government Area, to announce his new allegiance. In a moment rich with symbolism, Udenwa was registered as member “001” of the ward, signaling a fresh start from the grassroots up.

The registration ceremony was far from a quiet affair, drawing a crowd of party stalwarts and curious onlookers to the Orlu heartland. The ward secretary, Anthony Okoro, performed the official documentation, while the ward chairman, Uzonna Oriowe, presented the former governor with his brand-new membership card. For many in attendance, the sight of a two-term governor registering as a foundation member in a third-force party felt like the opening chapter of a new political era in the Southeast.

Addressing his supporters shortly after receiving his credentials, Udenwa revealed that his departure from the PDP was not a hasty decision. He described it as the result of extensive consultations with his inner circle and a period of deep personal reflection. According to the former governor, the ADC represents a shift toward “integrity and accountability,” qualities he believes have become scarce in the country’s larger political entities.

Udenwa’s return to active party politics under a different banner is particularly significant given his history in the state. He served as governor from 1999 to 2007, a period many in Imo still look back on with a sense of nostalgia for its relative stability. By joining the ADC, Udenwa is betting on the party’s “internal democracy,” arguing that it provides a more authentic platform for serving the masses than the fractured structures of the dominant parties.

The former governor noted that he found himself reunited with many familiar faces within the ADC—professionals and politicians he had collaborated with during his eight-year administration. He spoke of the party as being composed of “Godly and disciplined” leaders, suggesting that his move was motivated more by a desire for a “cleaner” political environment than by mere ambition. He emphasized that starting his journey as member 001 in his own ward was a deliberate choice to show that he is ready to work from the bottom up.

The state leadership of the ADC has hailed the defection as a “landmark moment” for their organization. Professor James Okoroma, the State Chairman, led a high-powered delegation of the State Executive Committee to witness the registration. For Okoroma and his team, landing a figure of Udenwa’s stature is a major coup that instantly boosts the party’s credibility ahead of the 2027 general elections. He noted that the ADC has been on an upward trajectory since its prominent declaration in Enugu late last year.

Regional leaders from the Orlu Zone, including various zonal and local government chairmen, echoed this enthusiasm. They characterized Udenwa’s tenure as governor as a benchmark for good governance and expressed hope that his presence would act as a magnet for other influential figures currently looking for an alternative to the “big two” parties. The general consensus among the ADC leadership is that the “Udenwa effect” will provide the momentum needed to mobilize the grassroots across the 27 local government areas of Imo State.

In his closing remarks at the event, Udenwa did not hold back in his critique of the current political status quo. He stated that his move was partially a response to “leadership failures” that have left the citizenry disillusioned. He urged the people of Imo to see the ADC as a vehicle for “political liberation,” promising to help build a solid platform that can “bring redemption” to the people. He also offered a word of advice to his new party colleagues, urging them to remain united and welcoming to the influx of new members he expects to follow in his footsteps.

As the 2027 elections appear on the horizon, Udenwa’s move highlights a growing trend of veteran politicians seeking out “third force” platforms to challenge the established order. Whether this transition will lead to a genuine electoral shift in Imo remains to be seen, but for now, the African Democratic Congress has firmly planted its flag in the Orlu Zone with one of the state’s most recognizable names leading the charge.