Asaba, Nigeria – October 2025: African Heritage
In another major stride toward strengthening democratic accountability and credible leadership, Hon. Gbandi, leader of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Diaspora Network and former ADC Deputy National Chairman (Diaspora Engagement), met with the leadership of the Liberty Alliance for Good Governance and Election Integrity in Nigeria in Asaba, Delta State.
The meeting followed Hon. Gbandi’s ongoing domestic courtesy visit after visiting Prof. Sam Amadi, Director of the Abuja School of Social and Political Thoughts in July 2025 at Transcorp Hilton, Abuja and with Her Excellency, Mrs. Grace Ezeife, widow of the late Governor Chukwuemeka Ezeife, former Governor of Anambra State and respected elder statesman few days ago in Abuja . Her Excellency, Mrs. Grace Ezeife, who herself embodies both Edo State’s political heritage and Anambra’s enduring political legacy, commended Hon. Gbandi’s national consultations aimed at rebuilding trust in democratic governance and empowering inclusive leadership across Nigeria.
The Asaba meeting, which brought together stakeholders from across the six states of the South-South region, reaffirmed the collective resolve to advance electoral reform, civic inclusion, and transparent governance across the nation. It comes on the heels of Dr. Gbandi’s earlier strategic consultation with Prof. Sam Amadi, Director of the Abuja School of Social and Political Thoughts, held in July 2025 at Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, where both leaders explored collaboration on electoral reform, vote security, and civic participation. Building on that national dialogue, the Liberty Alliance engagement represented a regional extension of ADC Diaspora’s reform outreach, translating policy-level collaboration into grassroots engagement and alliance building.
Discussions in Asaba centered on the need to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic structures through credible partnerships and leadership anchored on integrity. The deliberations also explored the evolving democratic role of the ADC, the importance of accountable governance, and the expanding partnership between the Liberty Alliance and ADC Diaspora Network for reform advocacy and civic education within the South-South region
In his remarks, Dr. Gbandi emphasized the need for “a democracy that delivers beyond elections, but one that impacts livelihoods, empowers communities, and restores public trust.” Both groups reiterated their shared commitment to people-centered governance through empowerment-focused programs including education and scholarships for deserving students, skills acquisition and youth empowerment for job creation, and philanthropic initiatives supporting widows, orphans, and the elderly. These efforts, according to both sides, are essential for strengthening community resilience and promoting equitable development across the region.
Hon. Ezeagwu Jeff, State Coordinator of Liberty Alliance, praised the engagement as “a landmark in partnership-based leadership,” noting that the synergy between ADC Diaspora and Liberty Alliance represents a sustainable model for grassroots political engagement and reform advocacy. Dr. Gbandi reaffirmed that the ADC Diaspora Network remains committed to forging strategic alliances with like-minded organizations to enhance electoral integrity, governance transparency, and youth inclusion. “Our collective task is to restore faith in democracy,” he said. “Nigerians both at home and abroad must work together to ensure governance serves the people, not political interests.”
The Asaba engagement, facilitated by Deacon Fidelis Chimokwu, South-South Regional Coordinator of Liberty Alliance, sets the stage for a forthcoming regional conference on governance, civic inclusion, and electoral integrity, expected to hold later in the year. As ADC Diaspora continues its nationwide consultation tour, these alliances are shaping a renewed political movement, one that champions transparency, inclusivity, and reform-driven leadership for Nigeria’s democratic future.
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