Politics
Imo: APC Lawmakers-Elect Receives CoR, Expresses Readiness To Serve Constituents
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has granted Certificates of Return to 23 lawmakers-elect in Imo State, who are all members of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The event, which took place at the INEC state secretariat in Owerri on Thursday, was attended by officials and supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Among the attendees were the state chairman of APC, MacDonald Ebere, his predecessor, Marcon Nlemigbo, the Chief of Staff to the state governor, Nnamdi Anyaehie, other state government functionaries, APC chieftains.
Jude Okwuonu, the Administrative Secretary of INEC in Imo State, expressed gratitude to all stakeholders who contributed to the successful conduct of the state’s election.
According to Okwuonu, the Electoral Act stipulates that certificates of return must be issued to elected officials within 14 days of the declaration of results.
It is worth noting that while Certificates of Return were issued to 23 lawmakers-elect from Imo State, no information was provided regarding the remaining four state constituencies, namely Ahiazu Mbaise, Isu, Ideato North, and Ideato South.
Despite inquiries regarding the four state constituencies that were not mentioned in the presentation of the certificates of return, no member of the commission provided any information on why they were excluded.
However, Innocent Ikpamezie, the lawmaker-elect for Mbaitoli LGA, expressed his eagerness to commence the delivery of the dividends of democracy to his constituents.
He emphasized that the credibility and fairness of the election brought him to power, stating that he emerged victorious in 11 out of the 12 electoral wards in the LGA.
Similarly, other lawmakers-elect, including Uche Agabiga for Orsu, Dominic Ezerioha for Oru West, and Uzoma Osuoha for Ohaji Egbema LGA, also expressed their eagerness to commence delivering the dividends of democracy to their respective communities.
They further urged their opponents who had filed election petition tribunals to withdraw their petitions and join them in moving their LGAs forward
Former senator representing the Federal Capital Territory, Philip Aduda, has officially resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party, citing ongoing internal conflicts within the party.
Aduda announced his resignation in a letter dated March 17, 2026, addressed to the PDP chairman of Karu Ward in Abuja.
In the letter, he stated that his decision takes immediate effect, blaming persistent crises rocking the party for his exit.
READ MORE: Defections Won’t Break PDP in Sokoto, Says Former Senator Gada
“I write to formally notify you of my resignation as a member of the Peoples Democratic Party with immediate effect due to the crisis in the party,” he said.
He also expressed gratitude to the party for the opportunity to serve in various elective positions across the country.
His departure adds to the growing wave of defections currently reshaping Nigeria’s political landscape, particularly within the Senate.
In recent developments, several PDP lawmakers have defected to rival parties. Three senators — Amos Yohanna, Aminu Iyal Abbas, and Ikra Aliyu Bilbis — recently joined the ruling All Progressives Congress, increasing its dominance in the Senate to 84 members.
The defections have reduced the PDP’s Senate strength from 17 to 14 members.
Meanwhile, five other PDP senators have moved to the African Democratic Congress, which has now emerged as the main opposition party in the Senate with nine members.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has officially kicked off its nationwide elections, marking the start of a major leadership renewal ahead of the party’s National Convention scheduled for April 14, 2026.
In a statement released on Sunday in Abuja, the party’s National Organising Secretary, Prince Chinedu Idigo, and National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, outlined the timetable for the election process.
According to the statement, polling unit and ward congresses will hold on April 7, followed by local government area congresses on April 9 and state congresses on April 11.
ALSO READ: PDP’s Festering Crisis Chases Tambuwal to ADC
The exercise is part of ADC’s constitutional mandate to refresh its leadership structures across all levels, culminating in the national convention in April. Party members interested in contesting vacant positions have been urged to obtain and submit nomination or expression of interest forms via the official ADC website.
“This process forms part of the party’s constitutional responsibility to renew its leadership structures across all levels of the organisation, culminating in the national convention,” the statement said.
The party also called on members nationwide to participate actively in the congresses and to conduct themselves in accordance with ADC’s constitution, guidelines, and democratic principles.
The nationwide elections are expected to set the stage for a robust leadership team as ADC positions itself strategically ahead of the 2027 general elections.
A former senator representing Sokoto East Senatorial District, Abubakar Umar Gada, has assured members and supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that the party remains strong and united in Sokoto State despite recent defections by some political figures.
Gada gave the assurance in a statement issued on Thursday in Sokoto, where he urged party loyalists to remain calm, focused and committed to the ideals of the PDP.
According to him, political defections are not unusual in Nigeria’s democratic landscape and should not be seen as a threat to the stability and strength of the party in the state.
SEE MORE: PDP’s Festering Crisis Chases Tambuwal to ADC
The former lawmaker stressed that the PDP still enjoys a strong grassroots presence in Sokoto, noting that the party’s structure across the state remains intact and capable of delivering electoral victories.
He explained that the strength of the PDP lies in the loyalty and dedication of its members, leaders and supporters who have remained committed to the party through various political challenges.
Gada also pointed out that politics allows individuals the freedom to make personal decisions, but maintained that the PDP as an institution remains resilient and firmly rooted in the aspirations of the people of Sokoto State and Nigeria.
He further disclosed that the party’s national leadership has already initiated measures aimed at strengthening internal unity and consolidating party structures across the country.
According to him, consultations and reconciliation efforts are currently ongoing among key stakeholders to address emerging concerns and reinforce unity within the party.
Gada noted that such engagements are designed to ensure the PDP moves forward with renewed focus, stronger unity and a clear commitment to democratic values.
He recalled that the party has successfully navigated several political challenges in the past and has consistently emerged stronger.
The former senator therefore urged PDP members in Sokoto State to remain steadfast and avoid actions capable of creating divisions within the party.
He also called on supporters to intensify grassroots mobilisation and strengthen party structures across all levels as the party prepares for future political contests.
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