By ENITAN ABEL JOHNGOLD ORHERUATA, mnipr
In a bold political move ahead of the 2027 general elections, renowned lawyer and grassroots mobiliser, Chukwudi ONYEJEKWE Awande, Esq., has formally joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC), declaring his entry into the party as a “new covenant” with the people of Anambra East and West Federal Constituency.
Awande made the announcement on December 30, 2025, during an official declaration speech that drew party leaders, traditional rulers, supporters, and members of the press. The decision, he said, followed months of wide-ranging consultations across communities in Anam, Aguleri, Umueri and Nzam.
“Our people are tired of promises that sink like lead,” Awande declared. “They want leadership they can touch and a representative they can hold accountable.”
Why ADC?
Explaining his choice of the ADC, Awande described the party as a platform built on trust, transparency and inclusion, symbolised by what he called the “ADC Handshake”.
According to him, the ADC stands apart in Nigeria’s political space by rejecting politics of ego, tribalism and godfatherism, while embracing radical transparency and people-centred governance.
“I did not choose the ADC because it is the easiest path, but because it is the right path,” he said, stressing that the party aligns with his belief that opportunity should not be determined by background or privilege.
Awande announced that his defection transforms his aspiration for the House of Representatives in 2027 into a full-fledged movement. Under the ADC banner, he unveiled what he termed the “Awande Mandate”, anchored on three key pillars:
Legislative Accountability: Introduction of a public tracker to account for every kobo allocated to the constituency.
Infrastructural Restoration: Aggressive advocacy for roads, clean water and essential infrastructure to reposition the constituency as a thriving food basket.
Youth Digital Handshake: Leveraging technology to empower youths through digital skills, innovation and modern mechanised agriculture.
Addressing his supporters, Awande urged them to take ownership of the ADC and begin ward-level mobilisation.
“This is not just my party; it is your party,” he said. “Arise and shine. Let us build the structure that will reclaim our future.”
He also charged the media to take note of what he described as the emergence of a new political force in Anambra East and West, one driven by ideology, integrity and impact, rather than patronage.
As the year draws to a close, Awande framed 2027 as more than an election, calling it “our date with destiny,” and expressed confidence that the ADC would provide the platform to deliver people-focused representation.
The event ended on a rousing note with party chants and goodwill messages for the ADC, Anambra East and West Federal Constituency, and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“ADC! Arise and Shine!
Awande! The Handshake of Progress!”