Owerri West, Imo State – In a major political development that signals growing momentum for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Imo State, the Umunwoha chapter of the Rebuild Imo Movement has formally declared its allegiance to the party. The declaration came during a high-level gathering at the residence of Hon. Igwejiuba-Francis Ugorji in Irete, where stakeholders from across the region came together to celebrate the progress of both the Rebuild Imo initiative and their alignment with the ADC.
The event, held at the Igwejiuba family villa in Umuekwune, Irete, drew a diverse mix of political figures, party faithfuls, youth and women leaders, and supporters of the Igwejiuba-Francis Ugorji Foundation. The atmosphere was a blend of celebration and strategic dialogue, reflecting both gratitude for progress made and renewed commitment to reshaping Imo’s political future.
A Shift Rooted in Shared Values
Delivering a keynote at the event, Barr. Odili Eremba, highlighted the core themes of the gathering: evaluating the journey of the Rebuild Imo project, celebrating key milestones, and charting the path forward within the ADC.
“We are here not just to celebrate, but to reaffirm our values—transparency, people-first governance, and collective responsibility. The ADC mirrors our vision,” Eremba stated.
The political alignment between Rebuild Imo and ADC, he noted, was a carefully considered step made after months of stakeholder consultations and political observation.
Reiterating Loyalty to the Vision of Ihedioha
Former Chairman of Owerri West, Hon. Innocent Ekema, used the occasion to affirm the group’s unwavering loyalty to Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, former Governor of Imo State and principal figure in the Rebuild Imo Movement. He reiterated that the ideological shift to ADC does not alter their commitment to Ihedioha’s legacy and the broader mission of rebuilding Imo through progressive governance.
“His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, remains our principal and guiding light. Our alignment with the ADC is a move towards actualizing the dream of a functional Nigeria,” Ekema emphasized.
He described ADC as the best vehicle for political reform, stating that it offers the structure, vision, and moral compass needed to reclaim Nigeria from what he called “decades of poor leadership under the APC.”
Leadership That Inspires Hope
In a resounding show of support, attendees hailed Igwejiuba-Francis Ugorji for his integrity, commitment, and leadership. Speakers across the board described him as a worthy son of Umunwoha and a man whose dedication has elevated the political visibility of his community.
Hon. Dr. Emeka Amaeze, a key grassroots mobilizer from Irete, noted that their continued involvement in Rebuild Imo is rooted not in political promises but in a sincere desire for transformational change.
“We are not here for positions or profit. We are here because we believe in service and accountability. And ADC gives us the space to make that possible,” he said.
He called on the youths and women in attendance to actively participate in the mobilization process and help strengthen the ADC’s presence across Owerri West and Imo State.
A Strategic Move for a New Era
The high point of the event was the collective declaration of the Umunwoha Rebuild Imo Family’s official alignment with the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The declaration was met with applause and a shared sense of renewed purpose.
Party representatives clarified that the ADC in Imo State is still in its structural consolidation phase, with no positions fixed yet. As such, members were urged to focus on grassroots mobilization and policy engagement rather than personal ambition.
“We are building from the ground up. This is the time to grow the party—not for titles, but for impact,” Barr. Eremba reminded attendees.
The decision also serves as a strategic step to unify local political actors under a platform that emphasizes accountability, transparency, and citizen-driven governance.
A Vision Anchored in People-Centered Politics
The ADC’s emphasis on values such as selflessness, open-mindedness, truth, and due process aligns with the broader Rebuild Imo Movement, which has positioned itself as a progressive alternative in Imo politics.
As Igwejiuba-Francis Ugorji continues to galvanize support within his community and beyond, his leadership has increasingly become a symbol of grassroots empowerment, political maturity, and principled engagement.
The crowd of supporters—including women leaders, youth representatives, and civic influencers—reflected the party’s inclusive approach and growing resonance with ordinary Nigerians seeking change.
Looking Ahead
As Imo State inches closer to another election cycle, this political alignment between Rebuild Imo and ADC could reshape political dynamics in Owerri West and the broader Southeast.
With figures like Igwejiuba-Francis Ugorji taking center stage, and unwavering support for Emeka Ihedioha as the political compass, the movement appears poised to play a more active and coordinated role in the region’s governance discourse.
The event closed with a renewed call for unity, commitment, and mass mobilization under the ADC platform.
“We have entered a new chapter,” Hon. Innocent Ekema said in his remarks. “Let’s move forward—together.”
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