The leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Imo State has denied adopting or endorsing any aspirant for the 2027 general elections.

This followed a news item that trended last weekend, that the Rebuild Imo Movement (RIM), a political structure owned by the state’s former governor, Emeka Ihedioha, and an ADC support group, had adopted Hon (Barr) Uche Onyeagocha as its candidate for 2027 Owerri senatorial seat.

In a release made public by BoldMedia group, Onyeagocha’s adoption followed a revelation from a top Rebuild Imo Movement leader who pleaded anonymity. In the release, BoldMedia wrote: “Fresh indications have emerged that Rebuild Imo Movement, the political structure of the former governor of Imo State, Rt Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, is tightening internal coordination mechanism, through consultation and deployment strategy, to adopt the former Secretary to Government of Imo State, Hon (Barr) Uche Onyeagucha, as its consensus candidate for Imo East Senatorial election ahead of the ADC National Assembly primary election.

“Information available to Boldmedia confirms that there is a consensus opinion among the leaders of the group to adopt Onyeagocha as a consensus candidate for Imo East Senatorial election. One of the leaders of the group, who spoke to our correspondent on the condition of anonymity, confirmed that the Rebuild Imo Movement and top leaders of African Democratic Congress in the state have resolved to present Onyeagucha as a consensus candidate”.

Clearly quoting the resource’s contact without identity revelation, BoldMedia credited the source, thus, “I can confirm to you that Rebuild Imo Movement, our principal, and the leadership of ADC in the state will adopt Onyeagocha as a consensus candidate for Imo East Senatorial election. This decision is borne out of our conviction that he is the only candidate that can withstand the heat of such an election and galvanise support within and outside our party. Everyone knows that Onyeagucha has name recognition, voice recognition, and the needed experience to lead the party to victory”.

BoldMedia further claimed that “Investigation reveals that many party faithful believe that Onyeagucha, as the candidate of the party, will increase the party’s chances for victory”.

However, the purported adoption of Onyeagocha drew swift rebuttal from the Director General, Rebuild Imo Movement, Dr Vincent Udokwu, who noted that RIM had yet to adopt any candidate.

In a release made available to journalists in Owerri, Udokwu said, “The leadership of the Rebuild Imo Movement has observed, with concern, a series of media reports and speculative articles suggesting that the movement has concluded plans to adopt or endorse specific individuals as “consensus candidates” for various elective positions either for Senatorial, House of Representatives, or State House of Assembly seats, ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“While we appreciate the enthusiasm of the public and the media regarding the political direction of our structure, it has become necessary to issue this definitive rebuttal to clear the air and protect the integrity of our organisation.

“No formal adoption or consensus. We wish to state categorically that the Rebuild Imo Movement has never met to deliberate on, agree upon, or adopt any candidate for any of the above listed positions in the forthcoming 2027 elections. Any report claiming that a decision has been reached by our leaders to present any “consensus candidate” is completely false and does not represent the position of the Movement or its Principal, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, CON”.

Udokwu stated that “The Rebuild Imo Movement is an integral part of the coalition within the African Democratic Congress (ADC). As such, we are bound by the constitution, rules, and regulations of the party. We will not take any unilateral actions that undermine the internal democracy of the ADC. We wish to emphasise that our movement will align strictly with whatever provisions or guidelines the ADC national and state leadership issue regarding primary elections”.

The DG warned against what he called speculative journalism. He said, “We urge media houses and political commentators to refrain from publishing unsubstantiated claims attributed to “anonymous sources” within the movement. Such reports are often the handiwork of mischief-makers seeking to create friction or confusion within the party”.

The release stressed that the RIM was committed to its core values of grassroots sensitisation. “The Rebuild Imo Movement remains focused on its core mission of grassroots mobilisation and supporting the ADC to provide a viable alternative for the people of Imo State”, it stated.

The ADC is obviously the leading opposition party in Imo State, with the Rebuild Imo Movement as its biggest structure. Onyeagocha belongs to the party as well as the group. He was the PDP Owerri senatorial candidate in the last 2023 election. He joined the movement alongside other Ihedioha followers, supporters, and aides in 2022 to strengthen it. Since then, he has not been having it easy with some Imo ADC members who accuse him of lack of commitment to the party. (The Sun)