A new leadership chapter has begun in the Enugu State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as Professor Austin Akubue emerged as the State Chairman following a well-attended congress held at Rochas Okorocha's Events Arena, airport road, Enugu, on Saturday, 11th of April 2026.
The congress, widely regarded by stakeholders as a defining moment for the party in the state, reflects a growing consolidation of political forces aligned with the reform-driven vision. The development signals a strategic effort to reposition the ADC as a credible platform for progressive governance and people-oriented leadership in Enugu State.
The Enugu State Congress Committee, appointed by the national secretariat of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), supervised the conduct of the congress. The committee was chaired by Dr. C.C. Okeke, with Barr. (Mrs.) Joy Chioma Anyanwu serving as Secretary. Other members of the committee include John Nwokeabia, Mon. Charles Egbo, and Dr. Matthias O. Omeh.
Prof. Akubue’s emergence was greeted with enthusiasm by party faithful and key political figures who were present at the congress. Among those in attendance were former Enugu State Governor Okwesilieze Nwodo, Senator Gil Nnaji, and other respected public figures, alongside a broad coalition of stakeholders, including governorship aspirants and National Assembly hopefuls.
The convergence of these influential actors underscores a shared commitment to building a formidable political structure anchored on competence, transparency, and accountability, core ideals closely associated with Peter ADC people-centered political philosophy.
In a moment that underscored both intellectual depth and political resolve, the newly elected Chairman of the Enugu State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Professor Austin Akubue, delivered a stirring and thought-provoking acceptance speech at the Emene congress in Enugu.
Widely regarded as an orator, a seasoned intellectual, and a leader deeply admired by the people of Enugu State, Prof. Akubue set the tone for what many described as a new ideological direction for the party anchored on reform, inclusiveness, and purposeful leadership in alignment with the vision of Peter Obi.
Speaking with clarity and conviction, he framed the moment as both historic and transformative, emphasizing the urgent need for a collective national rebirth.
He expressed gratitude for the confidence reposed in him and pledged to lead the party with integrity, inclusiveness, and a clear sense of purpose, emphasizing on the need to strengthen internal cohesion while expanding the party’s grassroots reach across all local government areas of the state.
“Today is symbolic. We are laying a foundation to confront obnoxious policies in the state and across the country. This is a formation stage, a moment to lay a solid bedrock for a better Nigeria. We will examine every issue critically and embrace collective responsibility in leadership. Today is a great day because the onus is on us to change Nigeria.”
He stressed that the challenges facing the state and the nation demand deliberate and unified action.
“The message is very clear. We have all seen what is happening, and that is what we are determined to address.”
Prof. Akubue further highlighted the importance of unity, fairness, and strategic planning within the party, assuring aspirants of a level playing ground.
“Today is very symbolic. It is time for us to sit together and plan together. Under my leadership, every contestant will be given an equal opportunity, because together we can achieve more. This is a fresh wave, a new breath. Intellectualism must be combined with professionalism in politics. The use of thuggery must be rejected, we need intellectual engagement, not violence.”
Drawing attention to the socio-economic realities in Enugu State, he lamented the burden on citizens while calling for a new political order driven by ideas and innovation.
“Everywhere you go, people are crying. Enugu is bleeding from obnoxious taxation, and we cannot continue like this. We must usher in new leadership and a new era of dynamism in politics.”
In a tone of humility and gratitude, the ADC chairman acknowledged the collective effort that led to his emergence, pledging not to betray the trust reposed in him.
“I must respectfully commend those who worked tirelessly, day and night, for my emergence. This is a collective will and a shared decision. I cannot forget my brothers who stood by me through difficult times, I owe them a lot, and I will not disappoint you. A new Nigeria is possible. We will engage in constructive criticism and reject political bigotry as we chart a new course.”
He further noted that the ADC under his leadership would prioritize merit-based participation and provide a level playing field for all aspirants, assuring members that the party would be driven by fairness and internal democracy.
Accepting the responsibility of leadership, Prof. Akubue described the task ahead as demanding but achievable through unity and commitment.
“I accept this mantle with humility, knowing it is a heavy responsibility. Great ideas are important, but their implementation lies in the hands of committed people.”
He concluded with a message of reconciliation and inclusiveness, extending an olive branch to other stakeholders within the party.
“With my team, we will work diligently to carry everyone along. To my brother, General Eze, you will come back home, because in this journey, there is no winner and no loser.”
While responding to newsmen, an ADC stalwart and former Leader of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Dr. Ikechukwu Ezeugwu, commended the congress committee and congratulated the newly elected chairman and his executive members, describing the development as a new beginning for the people.
Speaking further on concerns surrounding persistent electoral malpractice in Nigeria, a major fear among the masses, Dr. Ezeugwu stated emphatically that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) would neither engage in election rigging nor allow it to occur.
He declared that even divine justice would stand against any attempt to subvert the will of the people, stressing that anyone who tries to truncate the people’s mandate in the 2027 general elections would face grave consequences.
According to him, such an act would attract not only attract people's rejection, but also enduring repercussions extending to the offender’s generations, drawing a parallel with biblical principles of justice.
Dr. Ezeugwu maintained that Nigerians have grown weary of the current situation and can no longer tolerate a system that undermines their collective will, insisting that the voice of the people remains the ultimate voice of God.
In his remarks, while addressing the crowd, Senator Gilbert Nnaji thanked ADC supporters for coming together to chart a new course for Enugu State. He urged those from Enugu East Senatorial Zone to remain steadfast in the struggle, assuring them that any perceived grievances would be addressed, noting that such challenges are part of the political process.
While Prof. Augustine Uchenna Akubue is leading the new executives as State Chairman alongside Professor Den Chris Onah as State Deputy Chairman, the zonal leadership structure includes Nnamoko Michael U as State Vice Chairman (Enugu East), Romanus Eze as State Vice Chairman (Enugu North), and Chinedu Achife as State Vice Chairman (Enugu West).
In the administrative arm of the party, Chukwujekwu Nebo emerged as State Secretary, with Hon. Ejike Ani as Deputy Secretary, while Surv. Okwudili Michael Nnaji serves as Assistant Secretary. Mr. Vitalis Ifeanyi Eze and Ndubueze Jeff were also named Assistant State Secretaries for Enugu North and Enugu West respectively.
Handling the party’s finances are Simon Orji as State Treasurer, Izuchukwu Kingsley Eze as Deputy State Treasurer, and Sam Ozougwu as State Financial Secretary, supported by Martha Amauche Odo as Deputy Financial Secretary. Additional support roles include Innocent Ekete, Barr. Jerry Onoja, and Onyedika Eneh as Assistant State Financial Secretaries across the three senatorial zones, while Hyacinth Onu, Mr. Eya Mike, and Chigozie Bede Onyema serve as Assistant State Treasurers for Enugu East, North, and West respectively.
In the area of publicity and information management, Nobert Okoro emerged as State Publicity Secretary, with Onoyima Emmanuel Chikaodili as Deputy State Publicity Secretary. They are supported by Christian Uduma, Emmanuel Okoro, and Ejike Okonkwo as Assistant Publicity Secretaries for Enugu East, North, and West.
The party’s organizational structure is led by Barr. Chukwuemeka J.S Okereke as State Organizing Secretary, assisted by Ugwuoke Emmanuel Chukwuemeka as Deputy Organizing Secretary, alongside Henry Chime, Sampson Okwudili Eze, and Ferdinand Eze as Assistant Organizing Secretaries across the three senatorial districts.
On legal matters, Awkadigwe Fidelis Emeka serves as State Legal Adviser, with Barr. Augustine Madu as Deputy Legal Adviser. The auditing team is headed by Chief Ezekiel Ezeuchukwu as State Auditor, supported by Obiora Denis Obetta as Deputy State Auditor.
The welfare and social unit is coordinated by Sopuru Ernest as State Welfare/Social Secretary, with Chief Emmanuel Agama as Deputy. In the women’s wing, Mrs. Obiageli Odoh emerged as State Women Leader, deputized by Mrs. Ngozi Agbo, while Barr. Mrs. Uche Igwesi, Mrs. Amaka Urama, and Stella Ekpete serve as Assistant Women Leaders for Enugu East, North, and West respectively.
The youth structure is led by Prince Dennis Ekete as State Youth Leader, with Hon. Osmond Eziechi as Deputy Youth Leader. Supporting them are Chinedu Ilo, Ifeanyi Ugwuja, and Okwudili Okoye as Assistant Youth Leaders across the senatorial zones. Bright Anene Onowu also emerged as State PWD Leader.
Further strengthening the executive are Dr. Felix Adimora Odoh as State Chief Whip and Chief Anthony Anike as Deputy Chief Whip, alongside ex-officio members including Ozioko Benedeth Ifeyinwa, Kenechukwu Onyeka, Adolphus Ikechukwu Igwe, Kenechukwu Onyeka Okechukwu, Dr. Hope Ezike, and Emeribe Ozuruonye.
Also appointed is Engr. Dozie Eze as State Coordinator for Electoral Matters and INEC Liaison, reflecting the party’s readiness for future electoral engagements.
In addition, the congress elected national delegates, including Dr. John Nwokeabia, Gen. Okwudili Fidelis Azenta, Eneh Kingsley Uchenna, Hon. Ejike Ani, Barr. Ani Fidelis Madukaife, Barr. Chukwuemeka John Okereke, Barr. Chijioke Ogbobe, Dr. Sebastien Eze, Sir Chinyeaka Ohaa, Mrs. Hyacinth Ngwu, Engr. Dozie Eze, and Barr. Emeka Okeke.
Delegates also emerged from the Enugu North Senatorial Zone, including Mathias Omeh (Igboeze North), Dr. Chidi Onah (Igboeze South), Hon. Nnawike Nwodo (Igbo-Etiti), Dr. Frank Omeje (Udenu), Barr. Ethel Obayi (Nsukka), and Barr. Amalunweze Kenneth Osita (Uzo-Uwani).
