The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Nigeria’s Rivers State has announced a surge in its membership, claiming over 800,000 active supporters amid a wave of high-profile defections from rival parties. State Publicity Secretary Luckyman Egila revealed the figures during a media briefing in Port Harcourt on Friday, describing the party as a “beautiful bride” attracting seasoned politicians seeking new platforms.
Among the notable newcomers are two former state governors, Rotimi Amaechi and Celestine Omehia, alongside Prince Uche Secondus, a former national chairman of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Senators Lee Maeba and Andrew Uchendu, the latter now serving as ADC’s South-South regional vice chairman, have also officially joined, according to Egila. He emphasized that the individuals had formally registered with the ADC and received membership cards, a requirement for full inclusion. “These persons have left their former parties and are now full members of the ADC,” he stated.
Additional recruits include Austin Okpara, a former Deputy Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, and Abiye Sekibo, an ex-Minister of Transport. Egila expressed optimism that more influential figures from other parties would defect in the coming months, signaling the ADC’s expanding appeal.
The party’s growth extends beyond political defections, Egila noted, with established grassroots networks across all 23 local government areas in Rivers State. Membership has reportedly risen sharply since the 2023 general elections, during which the ADC fielded candidates for state and federal positions. “We have over 800,000 members in Rivers State, and the number grows daily,” he said, dismissing speculation of internal divisions. “There is no crisis in our party. We are united, uphold integrity, and reject actions that undermine our reputation.”
Rivers State, a key political battleground in Nigeria’s oil-rich south, has seen escalating party realignments ahead of future elections. The ADC’s claims, if verified, position it as a potential challenger to dominant parties like the PDP and All Progressives Congress. Egila’s remarks underscore efforts to project the ADC as a cohesive alternative, leveraging its grassroots presence and the credibility of newly joined leaders to reshape the state’s political landscape.
