By Steve Oko
UMUAHIA — Dr. Eme Okoro, a member of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former Secretary to the Abia State Government, has thrown his weight behind the African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition, describing it as a credible platform for Nigerians to “take back their country” in the 2027 elections.
Okoro made the declaration on Sunday at Ozuitem in Bende Local Government Area, during the formal declaration of Dr. Emenike Onyebuchi Okoro, an Abuja-based medical doctor, as a candidate under the ADC.
He criticised the economic policies of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing the party of worsening poverty across the nation. “I’m raising awareness about a new political platform — a coalition called the ADC. Its philosophy aligns with building a system that works for the majority of Nigerians,” he said.
Still a PDP Member, But Supporting Coalition
Asked whether he had left the PDP amid its leadership crisis, Okoro clarified that he remains a BoT member while supporting a broader coalition to challenge the APC. “There is no law preventing me from belonging to a party while participating in a coalition. ADC represents a coalition of forces,” he said.
He acknowledged that the PDP has “lost touch with the people,” attributing its political setbacks to this disconnect. “We cannot rehabilitate a sinking ship by pretending all is well. The way forward is to return power to the people,” he added.
Warns Against One-Party Rule
Okoro accused the APC-led federal government of seeking to weaken opposition parties and pave the way for a one-party system. “We strongly object to these tactics. Nigeria cannot slide into a one-party state. The 2027 elections must be free and fair, and any attempt to manipulate results will face resistance from the people,” he warned.
He also criticised President Bola Tinubu’s administration over poor economic management, saying, “Over 70 per cent of Nigerians are growing poorer despite the country’s vast resources. This must change.”
Calls for Investigation on PVC Allegations
The PDP chieftain urged authorities to investigate reports that some citizens were coerced into surrendering their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and National Identification Numbers (NINs) during political registration exercises. “If voters lose access to their rights, democracy itself is at risk,” he said.
New Entrant Promises Systemic Change
Addressing the crowd, Dr. Emenike Onyebuchi Okoro, who is seeking a House of Representatives seat, said his entry into politics was motivated by a desire to effect systemic reforms. Highlighting decay in critical sectors such as healthcare, he said meaningful change requires political authority. “Nigeria is in a comatose state. As a doctor, I realised that working within a broken system limits impact. Real change requires political power,” he said.
He stressed his commitment to grassroots development through his organisation, Grammys Network for Community Growth and Development, which has conducted needs assessments across Abia State. “We have studied the problems and developed solutions. Governance is not difficult if you have the will and the heart for the people,” he said, pledging to prioritise rural development, agriculture, and improved living standards. “We have two choices — champagne for a few or water for all. I choose water for all,” he declared.
ADC Chairman in Bende LGA, Pastor John Ukeh, urged youths to resist being used for electoral malpractice and to safeguard their votes in 2027. Lady Agnes Njoku, Principal of Uzuakoli Girls Secondary School, also commended Dr. Okoro’s philanthropic efforts, including scholarships and infrastructure upgrades for students.
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