The Imo State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has successfully generated a significant war chest, raising a total of ₦230 million during its first-ever stakeholders' summit. The landmark event was held on Tuesday, January 7, 2026, at the party's state secretariat located in Owerri, the capital city.
Political Heavyweights Unite for ADC's Vision
The summit drew a powerful gathering of Imo's political elite, demonstrating the party's growing influence. The event was chaired by Chief Achike Udenwa, who served as the Governor of Imo State from May 29, 1999, to May 29, 2007. In a significant show of cross-party appeal, the immediate past governor of the state, Chief Emeka Ihedioha, was also in attendance.
Other key figures present included the state chairman of the ADC, Professor James Okoroma, and the state publicity secretary, Chief MacDonald Amadi. The summit also attracted a broad spectrum of society, including captains of industry, respected academics, professionals, and clerics, indicating a wide base of support.
Calls for Unity and Strategic Funding
In his address, Chairman Chief Achike Udenwa set the tone by urging party members to fully embrace peace, unity, and discipline. He identified collective responsibility as a non-negotiable requirement for securing electoral victory. Expressing strong confidence in the ADC's future, Udenwa pointed to the high caliber of committed Nigerians joining its ranks. He boldly declared that with proper cohesion and strategic organization, the ADC is positioned to defeat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) at both the state and federal levels.
Former Governor Emeka Ihedioha, who also served as Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, delivered a compelling call to action. He urged ADC members to intensify their commitment relentlessly towards building a formidable political machine. Ihedioha stressed the critical importance of financial resources for effective political mobilization and ultimate success at the polls.
He made a direct appeal to party leaders, stakeholders, the business community, and Imo indigenes living abroad to rally behind the ADC with meaningful financial contributions and moral support. This backing, he noted, is essential for the party to overcome the existing political and structural challenges.
Building a Grassroots Foundation for 2027
Declaring the summit a resounding success, Ihedioha encouraged all participants to donate substantial funds to help the party clear financial hurdles. He expressed optimism about the ADC's accelerating momentum in Imo, describing the current phase as a new chapter of purposeful organisation, broad-based support, and strategic readiness as the party advances toward the crucial 2027 general elections.
Providing a strategic overview, State Chairman Professor James Okoroma disclosed that the ADC has already established a physical presence in all 305 electoral wards across the state's 27 local government areas. He emphasized that consistent and adequate funding is vital to deepening this institutional presence at the grassroots level, within ward structures, and across local government areas.
Professor Okoroma concluded that the funds raised at this inaugural summit, along with subsequent contributions, will serve as a strong vote of confidence in the party's vision, leadership, and its concrete capacity to deliver purposeful governance to the people of Imo State and Nigeria at large.
