By Brenda Chidinma Imo-Eze
The Ebonyi State Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dr. Mrs. Jennifer Nwafor-Adibe, has expressed deep disappointment over what she described as Nigeria’s worsening economic situation under the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and its much-touted Renewed Hope Agenda.
Dr. Nwafor-Adibe spoke on Tuesday during an extraordinary and critical stakeholders’ meeting of the party held at the residence of former Governor of Ebonyi State, Dr. Sam Ominyi Egwu, in Umuebe, Ezzangbo.
According to her, the prevailing hardship across the country shows that it is time to change the political narrative and chart a new course for Nigeria.
She said the ADC was prepared to take over power from the APC in order to address the socio-economic challenges confronting Nigerians.
“This party is different from other parties where both men and women have a voice in politics. Nigerians have seen enough, and I believe it is time to change the narrative. We must engage ourselves, understand what needs to be done, take over power and change the narrative,” she stated.
The ADC chairman explained that the party’s mission was not merely to take power from the APC, but to introduce people-oriented policies capable of restoring hope and repositioning the country.
“It is not just about taking over power, but about the different things we have to offer Nigerians — policies that are different from what is currently being provided,” she said.
Dr. Nwafor-Adibe expressed optimism that Nigeria would rise again, noting that despite the government’s renewed hope mantra, conditions have continued to deteriorate.
“I believe Nigeria will rise again. Not only will we rise, we will rise and shine. When the current government talks about renewed hope, things are instead getting worse,” she lamented.
Speaking at the meeting, the first civilian Governor of Ebonyi State, Dr. Sam Ominyi Egwu, expressed delight over the large turnout of party supporters and declared that the ADC was open to new members across the state.
Dr. Egwu said he remained passionate about his former party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), until what he described as the collapse of the party, which prompted his decision to join the ADC-led coalition.
“We all loved the PDP, but they killed the party. There was nothing we could do. That is why those who truly want to restore this country from the maladministration of the APC have come together under the ADC,” he said.
He differentiated between politicians who joined the coalition out of conviction and those who defected to the ruling party for personal interests, urging ADC members to remain steadfast.
Dr. Egwu further recalled that coalition leaders from across the country met in Abuja shortly after his resignation from the PDP, a move that later culminated in a South-East stakeholders’ meeting in Enugu, attended by Peter Obi, where leaders publicly announced their decision to join the ADC.
“After that Enugu meeting, the APC became uncomfortable. They started having meetings because they know there is nothing they can do,” he said.
The stakeholders’ meeting was attended by ADC national leaders from Ebonyi State, coalition leaders, former local government chairmen, ADC LGA party chairmen, former development centre coordinators, and other party supporters.