Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
A member of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr Eme Okoro, has backed the African Democratic Congress (ADC)-led coalition, citing worsening economic hardship and alleged threats to Nigeria’s democracy under the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking in Ozuitem, Bende Local Government Area, during the formal declaration of House of Representatives hopeful, Dr Emenike Onyebuchi Okoro, on the ADC platform, the PDP chieftain said the coalition represents a growing resistance against hardship and political dominance.
He painted a grim picture of the nation’s economy, alleging that the majority of Nigerians have become poorer under the current administration.
“Over 70 per cent of Nigerians are getting poorer despite our enormous resources. This is unacceptable,” he said.
Okoro noted that the ADC coalition is gaining traction as Nigerians seek alternatives to what he described as failed governance.
“People are beginning to recognise that there is a new platform — a coalition that can challenge the status quo and deliver better governance,” he said.
Despite his open support for the coalition, he maintained that he remains a PDP BoT member, describing his stance as part of a broader political realignment ahead of 2027.
“This is beyond party lines. It is about rescuing Nigeria,” he added.
The former Secretary to the State Government (SSG) also raised concerns over what he described as attempts to weaken opposition parties, warning against the emergence of a one-party state.
“Any attempt to suppress opposition or manipulate the electoral process will be resisted. Nigeria’s democracy must not be compromised,” he cautioned.
He further called for an urgent probe into allegations that voters were coerced into surrendering their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and National Identification Numbers (NIN).
“If citizens are being stripped of their voting power, then democracy itself is under threat,” he said.
In his remarks, ADC House of Representatives aspirant, Dr Emenike Onyebuchi Okoro, said his decision to join politics was driven by frustration with systemic failure, particularly in the health sector.
“Nigeria is in a critical condition. You cannot fix a broken system from the sidelines,” he said.
He argued that charity and individual interventions can no longer substitute for structural reforms.
“Helping a few people is not enough. What we need is a system that works for everyone,” he stressed.
The aspirant pledged to focus on rural development, agriculture and people-oriented policies, promising to deploy data-driven solutions from his grassroots engagements.
“We have done the homework. We understand the problems and are ready with solutions,” he said.
Also speaking, the ADC Chairman in Bende LGA, Pastor John Ukeh, urged young people to reject electoral manipulation and take ownership of the democratic process.
“Don’t allow yourselves to be used. Get your PVCs and protect your votes,” he advised.
In a goodwill message, the Principal of Uzuakoli Girls Secondary School, Lady Agnes Njoku, highlighted the aspirant’s philanthropic efforts, including the renovation of school facilities and sponsorship of students’ education.
