Anambra SDP to Receive 23 ADC Aspirants, Says Chairman Ekwunife

The Anambra State chapter of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) is set to receive over 23 aspirants who have defected from the embattled African Democratic Congress (ADC).

This development followed  the recent Supreme Court judgment on the leadership crisis within the ADC, which has left many of its National and State Assembly aspirants uncertain about their prospects of contesting the 2027 general elections on the party’s platform.

Further compounding the situation is the defection of the Labour Party’s former presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, from the ADC’s political orbit—an event that has intensified realignments and triggered a wave of defections, particularly among aspirants seeking a more stable platform.

Speaking shortly after his emergence as the State Chairman of the SDP at the party’s congress held in Awka, Prince Chinedu Ekwunife stated that the party has been reinvigorated by its new leadership. 

He added that the SDP has commenced the establishment and activation of local government and ward structures across all 326 wards in the state as part of its grassroots consolidation strategy.

“We have been receiving strong indications of interest, particularly from members of the ADC, due to the protracted leadership crisis in that party. No fewer than 23 aspirants for National and State Assembly positions are in advanced stages of joining the SDP and will be formally received in due course,” he said.

Ekwunife further noted that the party’s state congress, held on May 1, 2026, at the State Secretariat in Awka, produced a new State Executive Committee through a consensus-driven process.

“The congress was duly monitored and supervised by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Awka office, including Mr. Nonso Okoli and Mr. Kingsley Ajunwa, between 1:30 pm and 2:30 pm. The exercise was peaceful, orderly, and conducted in accordance with the party’s constitution and established guidelines,” he added.

While reflecting on the state of the party upon assuming office, Ekwunife acknowledged that he inherited a weak organisational structure but emphasized that significant progress has since been made.

“Today, the SDP in Anambra has functional leadership across all 326 wards, including ward chairmen, executives, and polling unit coordinators. These structures are composed of committed individuals who are prepared to mobilise effectively and secure electoral victories for the party in the 2027 general elections and beyond,” he stated.

He  reaffirmed the party’s commitment to internal democracy, institutional stability, and strategic expansion as it positions itself as a credible alternative in Anambra State’s political landscape.