ADC Formally Welcomes Senator Austin Akobundu

By Jude Ndukwe

The Senator representing Abia Central Senatorial District, Senator Austin Akobundu, was today formally received into the African Democratic Congress (ADC) by leaders and chieftains of the party from across Abia State and the national level.

The colourful event which took place at the Oloko country home of the Senator in Ikwuano LGA marked a new and historic chapter in the nation’s political firmament.

Setting the tone for the event, a former member of the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Stanley Nwabuisi said that the gathering was that of political leaders, stakeholders and followers from across the senatorial district and beyond who had gathered to gladly welcome Senator Akobundu into the ADC having formally resigned from the PDP on the 9th of March, 2026.

In his address, Senator Akobundu expressed delight at the gesture by the people to formally welcome him into the party. He went down memory lane as he narrated his rich political journey in the PDP where he had spent a significant part of his life and invested considerably to the stability and growth of the party.

While admitting that the PDP shaped his political journey to the lofty height it has reached, he stated that it was time to move on from it having been irredeemably ravaged by anti-democratic forces within.

“Over the years, through thick and thin, I had swum and sunk with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Like soldiering that formed my early years, my life in politics has been characterised by sacrifice. So, when it was in vogue to move from the PDP to other parties, I chose the difficult but principled choice of remaining with the PDP in the hope that it could be revived, strengthened and repositioned to align again with the dreams of its founding fathers,” he stated.

Continuing, the Abia Central Senator said, “Since my foray into politics, I have remained consistent with my principle of loyalty, not just to the political party I belonged to, but more importantly, to the nation and the people on whose mandate I am currently serving as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“However, the determination of some forces within the PDP to keep it down and set it on the path of extinction, has gravely affected the fortunes of the party both in Abia State and at the national level.

“As it is today, the realities of our local politics dictate that we must seek an alternative platform that will further distinguish us and also enhance our capacity to continue to serve our people even more selflessly.

“It is in light of the above that I have chosen the ADC as my new political home. And I am glad that you have all gathered in love and loyalty to witness my formal entry into this fastest growing party in Nigeria, having registered with it few days ago.

“To all leaders, stakeholders, and members of the ADC, I sincerely thank you for the confidence reposed in me. I thank you for your relentless call on me to come join and help strengthen our great party. As one who listens to the voice of the people and who does their bidding, I have not only heard your call, but I have also heeded the message.

“Together, we shall make ADC great!

“As we steer this great party forward, let me assure you all that nobody will be left behind in anyway as we are determined more than ever before to build an all-inclusive party that is based on justice, fairness, and equity, because old things have passed away and all things have indeed become new!

“I therefore call on all well-meaning Nigerians and lovers of democracy to register with the African Democratic Congress without delay.

“Together, we can make Nigeria great again,” he concluded.

Highpoint of the event was the formal decoration of Senator Akobundu with some of the party’s paraphernalia including a face cap, a sash, and presentation of ADC party membership card to him by national and state leaders of the party present, led by the Abia State Chairman, Obinna Don Norman.

In their goodwill messages, speaker after speaker extolled the virtues of Senator Akobundu as a worthy leader whose coming to ADC would not only strengthen the party but will also boost its image and reach among Nigerians.

They further described him as a blessing and a leading light whose expansive experience in party leadership and management would bring good fortunes to the ADC. They promised to continue to support and work for him in his aspirations.

Among those present at the event were a former member of Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Chukwudi Apugo, a former Commissioner for Lands and Survey in Abia State, Alhaji Suleiman Ukandu, a former Chairman of Ikwuano LGA, Hon. Stephen Mpamugo, the National Deputy Publicity Secretary of ADC, Hon. Mrs Queen Okeiyi (represented by Barr Ben Emeruwa), and the National Asst Youth Leader of ADC, Hon. Paul Nwagbara,

Other chieftains present were Mr Chimaeze Nwafor, Hon. Philip D., Sir Chinedu Ugoala, Lady Ejiaku Alaribe, Chief Clement Onukwe, Elder Sam Njoku, Pastor Ekeleme Ikeije, Barr Obinna Nwogwugwu, Chief Ejim Chibuzor, Mr Osondu Ajuzie, Hon. Prince Obinna Okey, and Pastor Prince Solomon.