Former deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha, has declared that he will remain in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) rather than follow his political ally, Peter Obi, into the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). Ihedioha made this known in a social media statement on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Ihedioha's Decision to Stay in ADC
Ihedioha, who served as Imo State governor from 2019 to 2020, emphasized that after careful consultation and reflection over 72 hours, he has chosen to remain with the ADC. He stated that he and Obi share a common vision for a better Nigeria, but he believes his political path lies with the ADC for now.
In his post on Facebook, Ihedioha said: "Over the last one year, we have consciously and consistently worked to build a coalition of well-meaning Nigerians under the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Our purpose has been clear: to deliver good governance to the people of Nigeria and to build a nation that is accountable, inclusive, and prosperous."
Respecting Obi's Move to NDC
Ihedioha acknowledged that while he would have preferred Obi to pursue his presidential ambition within the ADC, he respects the former Anambra governor's decision to join the NDC, a party led by former Bayelsa Governor Seriake Dickson. He wished Obi well in his new political home.
"On Sunday, May 3, 2026, my brother, His Excellency Peter Obi, made the decision to move to the NDC in pursuit of his political aspirations. While I would have preferred that this ambition was pursued within the ADC, I recognize that in a democracy, every leader has the right to make political choices guided by conviction. I respect his decision and wish him well," Ihedioha added.
Commitment to ADC Coalition
The former deputy speaker of the House of Representatives noted that he is a foundational member of the ADC coalition and is fully aware of the efforts invested in building the party. He stressed that he finds no justification to abandon the ADC at this time.
"After due consultation and reflection over the past 72 hours, I have chosen to remain in the African Democratic Congress at this time. I take deliberate political steps, and for now, I find no justification to turn my back on the ADC," he said.
Ihedioha concluded: "We will continue to work towards the shared vision of a New Nigeria, same objectives, different platforms."
Call for Atiku to Join NDC
Meanwhile, a chieftain of the NDC, Buba Galadima, has urged former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar to join the party, warning that he could be held responsible if opposition forces fail to unite ahead of the 2027 elections. Galadima made the appeal while speaking on Politics Today, a programme on Channels Television, where he said major opposition figures were already rallying under the NDC to build a formidable coalition against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Galadima warned that Atiku's refusal to join the NDC could weaken efforts to consolidate the opposition bloc.
