SDP to receive 23 ADC defectors in Anambra, says chairman

The Anambra State chapter of the Social Democratic Party said it is set to receive no fewer than 23 aspirants who have defected from the embattled African Democratic Congress.

The Anambra State Chairman of the SDP, Prince Chinedu Ekwunife, stated this on Monday shortly after the party’s state congress held at the state secretariat in Awka.

Ekwunife said the SDP has been reinvigorated by its new leadership, adding that the party has commenced the establishment and activation of local government and ward structures across all 326 wards in the 21 local government areas of the state as part of its grassroots consolidation strategy.

He said the defections followed 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, he said, is the defection of the former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, from the ADC, a development that has triggered a wave of defections, particularly among aspirants seeking a more stable platform.

Ekwunife further noted that the party’s state congress produced a new State Executive Committee through a consensus-driven process.

He said, “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.

“The congress was duly monitored and supervised by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Awka office, including Nonso Okoli and Kingsley Ajunwa, between 1:30pm and 2:30pm.

“The exercise was peaceful, orderly, and conducted in accordance with the party’s constitution and established guidelines.”

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

He restated 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.

“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 added.