By African Heritage Global Affairs Desk
Abuja, Nigeria – October 2025:
Returning from an intensive three-month EU Erasmus program that took him across France and Turkey, Hon. (Dr.) Kenneth Chibuogwu Gbandi, leader of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Diaspora Network (ADC-DN) and former ADC Deputy National Chairman (Diaspora Engagement), has reaffirmed his commitment to forging strategic alliances that promote electoral integrity, governance transparency, and youth inclusion across Nigeria.
His return marks the official commencement of the ADC Diaspora led Nationwide Consultation Tour, a coordinated outreach to align Diaspora structures with reform-driven civic groups, political leaders, and governance advocates working to advance Nigeria’s democratic renewal ahead of 2027.
A Symbolic Beginning with H.E. Mrs. Grace Ezeife
Hon. Gbandi’s first stop was a courtesy visit to Her Excellency Mrs. Grace Ezeife, widow of the late Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, former Governor of Anambra State and revered elder statesman.
The meeting was both symbolic and strategic, reflecting the ADC Diaspora’s recognition of moral leadership, political culture, and civic responsibility as essential foundations of national development. “Our democracy must draw from the integrity and humanity of visionary leaders like Dr. Ezeife,” Gbandi noted. “As we begin this consultation, we are guided by the values of service, inclusion, and accountability.”
This engagement also underscores ADC-DN’s belief in women’s roles as custodians of civic ethics and political continuity, aligning with the Network’s advocacy for gender-inclusive leadership in Nigeria’s future governance framework.
Diaspora Vision Anchored on Reform and Collaboration
Drawing insights from his recent EU Erasmus engagements in France and Turkey, Gbandi emphasized that successful democracies thrive on citizen empowerment, institutional accountability, and youth participation.
He affirmed that the ADC Diaspora Network has evolved into a political innovation platform, linking Nigeria’s global citizens with national reform movements through strategic collaboration. “Our role is to bridge global knowledge with local realities,” he stated, “transforming Diaspora experience into practical governance models.”
Laying Groundwork for Reform Partnerships
Following the Ezeife visit, Hon. Gbandi is scheduled to meet with the leadership of the Delta State and South-South Liberty Alliance for Good Governance, a civic coalition noted for its grassroots mobilization and advocacy for transparent elections.
This engagement forms part of ADC-DN’s strategy to connect Diaspora expertise with regional reform actors, building a united front for electoral reform, civic education, and youth empowerment. “The ADC Diaspora Network is not a detached organ,” Gbandi said. “It is an integral part of Nigeria’s democratic ecosystem, bringing home values, capacity, and partnerships that can help reframe our governance culture.”
From Consultation to Coordination
Gbandi’s current initiative reflects ADC’s structural renewal under Article 15 of the amended Constitution, which formally recognizes the Diaspora as a legitimate organ of the party. The consultations now underway are designed to institutionalize Diaspora participation in party-building, policy dialogue, and election readiness.
The ADC-DN has already championed innovative initiatives, including Diaspora voters and civic education, gender inclusion projects etc, reaffirming its role as a bridge between Nigeria’s global citizens and local development needs.
Collaborative Democracy
As consultations continue through late 2025, Gbandi’s approach signals a shift from symbolic engagement to practical partnership, linking reform-minded political, civic, and Diaspora stakeholders under one vision of accountable governance.
With upcoming sessions like the planned South-South Liberty Alliance meeting and ongoing dialogues with scholars such as Prof. Sam Amadi of the Abuja School of Social and Political Thoughts, ADC-DN is shaping a credible coalition for Nigeria’s democratic future.
For Nigeria’s reform community, Gbandi’s return symbolizes renewed hope in Diaspora-local synergy a call for inclusive governance, empowered youth, and a transparent political culture that reflects the nation’s best aspirations.
African Heritage Global Affairs Editor info@africanheritagemagazine.com; www.africanheritagemagazine.com
