AH Nigeria
Delta ADC has inaugurated its State Leadership Committee, with Senator Andrew Uchendu describing the team as a very serious and exemplary one.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Delta State has once again demonstrated its readiness to take over governance come 2027 by successfully inaugurating the State Leadership Team to work harmoniously with the existing structure of the party at all levels. The inauguration was performed by the Chief Whip, Elder Festus Igbenoba, as directed and witnessed by the National Vice Chairman of the ADC South-South, Senator Andrew Uchendu.
Senator Uchendu and Elder Festus commended the leadership at the inaugural meeting, which took place at the Delta ADC Party Secretariat in Asaba today, Monday, 24th November 2023.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) stakeholders regard the event as a shining example of discipline, seriousness, and forward-thinking political organization working diligently to advance the vision of the party’s national leadership. This reputation was further reinforced during the hybrid inaugural meeting of the ADC Delta State Leadership Team, an engagement that effectively blended technological coordination with purposeful party building.
The session began with careful attention to logistics to ensure seamless participation for both physical and virtual attendees. The State Chairman, Engr. Austine Okolie, confirmed that 12 members were physically present while 14 joined online, bringing the initial total to 25, well above the required quorum. This number continued to grow as the meeting progressed. Roll calls reflected broad and impressive participation, with notable members such as Chief Otuke, Hon. Ben Adhuze, Prof. Emmanuel Gold, Dr. Chike Okogwu, Ms. Lauretta Onochie, Hon. Kenneth Gbandi, Senator Uchendu, and Elder Festus, among others, joining remotely.
The meeting commenced with an opening prayer by Professor Gold, followed by recognition of dignitaries and the adoption of a comprehensive agenda covering inauguration formalities, introduction of the leadership structure, and strategic discussions on mobilization, fundraising, and election readiness. The highlight of the day came when Senator Andrew Uchendu, Deputy National Chairman, formally inaugurated the Delta State Leadership Team. He commended the Delta ADC for its remarkable unveiling, widely visible across media platforms, and described the state team as a “very serious group.” He urged members to continue prioritizing unity, discipline, and a people-first political ethos, reinforcing the need to uphold the values that have earned Delta ADC growing national respect.
As deliberations deepened, the emphasis shifted to strengthening party structures statewide in line with National Working Committee guidelines. Participants stressed the importance of cooperation with existing LGA, ward, and unit structures, adherence to due process, and a renewed commitment to grassroots mobilization as the party prepares for the February congress and primaries. Elder Festus, the National Chief Whip, administered the oath of office to the new leadership team, after which Engr. Austine Okolie reaffirmed the need for membership validation, internal order, and collective responsibility. He pledged full collaboration with national leadership to build an effective and election-ready ADC in Delta State.
Insightful contributions from various party stalwarts enriched the discussions, and a shared sentiment echoed throughout the session: the future of the party must be anchored on inclusivity, coordination, and strategic preparation ahead of the 2027 general elections. Further discussions explored grassroots mobilization, the use of religious and community networks, and the consolidation of the party’s data systems. Leaders including Engr. Obus and Bishop Gobia outlined approaches to strengthening ADC’s local presence and deepening cooperation among stakeholders.
The State Chairman later presented detailed terms of reference for the leadership team, covering responsibilities such as membership revalidation, establishing a functional office space, implementing sensitization programs, and ensuring a smooth transition process. He emphasized that all actions must align strictly with the party constitution and that meaningful collaboration with grassroots structures is essential.
Conversations on leadership roles and committee formation underscored the importance of fairness, senatorial balance, and the strict avoidance of parallel structures. Hon. Dr. Kenneth Gbandi proposed that zonal teams select their own coordinators to enhance unity and orderliness. The meeting agreed on democratic procedures, such as voice voting, for committee selections and reaffirmed the need for clear protocols consistent with national directives. Members resolved to reconvene after the forthcoming NWC meeting on Thursday to finalize harmonization and alignment across various blocs within the party.
The hybrid inaugural meeting not only solidified the administrative foundation of the ADC in Delta State but also reaffirmed its position as one of the party’s most organized, serious, and forward-looking state structures nationwide. With disciplined leadership, unified purpose, and a strategic orientation toward 2027, the Delta ADC continues to stand out as a model deserving of national recognition.
The leadership team members inaugurated during the meeting include: Prof. Pat Utomi; Dr. Kenneth Chibuogwu Gbandi, former Deputy National Chairman ADC and former Senatorial candidate; Mrs. Lauretta Onochie, former NDDC Chairman and former Personal Assistant to late President Muhammadu Buhari; Dr. Chike Okogwu, National Officer for Persons With Disabilities; Deacon K. Ken Pela, former Governorship Candidate of Labour Party, Delta State; Mrs. Mena Joy, Delta State Women Leader; Engr. Austine C. Okolie, Delta State Chairman; Prof. Emmanuel Gold; Chief Othus Otunumeruke; Bishop Obiajulu Obi Obiajulu; Hon. Jerry Ojale; Hon. Obus Doghor; Arc. Julius Akpovoka; Apostle Ebi Amos Peremene; Amb. Benedict O. Adhuze; Mrs. Chinwe Ejidoh; Hon. Faith Okoro; and Mrs. Gladys Onatomre.
Cover foto credit: ADC Delta State unveiling foto
