Emeka Ihedioha, the former governor of Imo State, has declared he will not follow Peter Obi to the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) as the 2027 elections approach. Instead, he affirms his continued loyalty to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), where he has been a key figure.
In a formal statement issued on Thursday, Ihedioha expressed his support for Obi’s political decision but clarified his own path. He noted that while Obi, along with former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, recently unveiled their new political movement under the NDC banner, Ihedioha sees no reason to abandon the ADC at this critical juncture.
“For the past year, we have worked tirelessly to build a coalition of patriotic Nigerians within the ADC, with the goal of delivering effective, accountable, and inclusive governance to the nation,” Ihedioha said. He emphasized that their efforts have been grounded in sacrifice, strategic alignment, and a clear vision for Nigeria’s future.
Ihedioha acknowledged that Obi made the choice to transition to the NDC on May 3, 2026, to advance his political ambitions. “While I would have preferred that he pursued this within the ADC, I respect his right as a leader to make decisions based on his convictions. I wish him well,” Ihedioha added.
Despite the divergence in political platforms, Ihedioha stressed that they share a common desire for a better Nigeria—one that serves all citizens and celebrates diversity. “This aspiration transcends party affiliations,” he stated.
After thorough consultation and reflection over 72 hours, Ihedioha confirmed his decision to stay with the ADC. “I take deliberate political actions, and at this moment, there is no reason for me to leave the ADC. We will continue working toward the dream of a new Nigeria, now on different platforms but with the same objective,” he concluded.