ADC opts for direct primaries, holds statewide congresses in Ebonyi

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has conducted congresses across all 13 local government areas, 171 wards and 2,975 polling units in Ebonyi State.

The party is adopting a grassroots-driven approach as it prepares for the 2027 general election, according to their leaders.

The exercise, which took place on Thursday, signalled a strategic shift by the party to deepen internal democracy by jettisoning the conventional delegates system in favour of consensus arrangements and direct primaries.

Uche Onyeagucha, chairman of the Ebonyi State ADC Congress Committee, said the decision was deliberate and aimed at widening participation among party members.

“We are not using the national delegates system. Candidates will emerge either through consensus or direct primaries. This will ensure transparency and give all members a sense of belonging,” he stated.

He added that the congresses form part of efforts to rebuild and strengthen the party’s structure from the polling unit level upward.

Sunday Udedibia, secretary of the State Congress Committee, assured stakeholders that the process was conducted in line with the party’s guidelines and best democratic practices.

“Our mandate is to deliver a credible exercise that will reposition the party for future elections,” he said.

Jennifer Adibe-Nwafor, state chairman of the party, described the turnout across the state as encouraging, noting that members turned out in large numbers to participate in the exercise.

She said the party had fulfilled all legal requirements by notifying the (INEC) ahead of the congresses, adding that security agencies were present to ensure orderliness.

According to her, the party’s primaries are scheduled to hold between April 23 and April 30.

Basil Imoke, state secretary for Electoral Matters and INEC Liaison Officer, confirmed high voter turnout in the areas he monitored, describing participation as “impressive.”

Across several wards, party officials emerged through consensus. In Ezza North Local Government Area, Oshim Ekuma was returned as chairman, while Chika Igwe and Peace Nwafor also retained their positions in Okposi Ward.

Similarly, in Ekka Ward, Anayo Nwankwo, who was re-elected as chairman, attributed the peaceful conduct of the exercise to the consensus model adopted by the party.

Observers said the early rollout of the congresses underscored the ADC’s determination to consolidate its grassroots base and position itself as a viable alternative in Ebonyi’s political space ahead of the next general elections.