The Abia State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has launched a statewide Membership Mobilisation, Registration and Revalidation (MMRR) drive, unveiling a new national membership card and declaring an end to factional politics within the party.
The exercise, flagged off on Saturday at the Kolping Society in Umuahia, was described by party leaders as a deliberate move to restructure, legitimise and strengthen the ADC’s grassroots presence ahead of future elections.
In his opening remarks, the National Chairman of the party, David Mark, who was represented by the ADC National Welfare Secretary, Nkem Ukandu, said the registration exercise was a conscious effort to reposition the party on the foundation of due process and internal democracy.
“We are not unprepared or disorganised. We will not allow administrative bottlenecks to hinder the progress of the party,” he said.
He further assured members that the party would not impose candidates or sidestep established procedures.
According to him, candidates would be selected strictly on “credibility and meritocracy,” which he described as the distinguishing factor between ADC and other political parties.
Ukandu stressed that leadership in Abia would emerge through legitimate processes rather than through “claims” or the backing of individual stakeholders, adding that the party was committed to giving everyone a sense of belonging.
“If you seek a political home where your voice matters and your interests are protected, then come to ADC. ADC stands firmly on principles of fairness, accountability, and transparency. ADC in Abia State remains united, and the door is open to all. Abia will not be sidelined or disillusioned but will actively participate in the democratic process.”
Chairperson of the MMRR Committee, Dame Ngozi Onuoha Orji, described the launch as a defining moment for the party in Abia, emphasising inclusivity and unity.
She said ADC does not discriminate and that the registration process was designed to provide citizens with a credible political home.
“A house divided cannot achieve great heights. ADC in Abia State must abandon factional mentalities, which is why the registration process has commenced. It is ineffective if support is merely based on stakeholder preferences. ADC is a party for everyone, where each member’s rights are protected. We must build a party that serves as a reference point, not only in Nigeria but globally. As Peter Obi says, ‘a new Nigeria is possible.’”
In their goodwill messages, party stakeholders urged unity and grassroots mobilisation.
Former Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Hon. Suleiman Ukandu, described ADC as a “political Messiah” and encouraged residents of the state to key into what he said were the party’s well-structured programmes and manifesto.
Former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Uko Nkole, characterised the exercise as inclusive, likening politics to a “casket borne by everyone,” and called for collective participation. He warned that the APC could manipulate elections if vigilance was not maintained and urged members to remain united throughout the registration drive.
A major highlight of the event was the unveiling of a new national membership card, which will be distributed across all 17 local government areas and subsequently to the 184 wards in Abia State.
Ukandu warned members to beware of unauthorised registers, stressing that only the official register issued to the wards — complete with security numbers — would be recognised by the party.
In his vote of thanks, Barrister Etigwe Uwa (SAN) commended members for their strong turnout, describing party registration as a critical foundation for electoral success.
Several prominent figures attended the event, including Enyinnaya Abaribe and other political leaders and stakeholders from across the state.
With the MMRR drive now underway, ADC leaders say the focus remains on building a unified structure in Abia — one they insist will leave “no room for factional politics.”
