Ahead of the 2027 general elections, Bishop Prof. Emeka Nwankpa, the Accord Party’s governorship candidate in Abia State during the 2023 general election, has formally defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), leading over 5,000 of his supporters into the party.
The mass defection took place at a colourful ceremony held on Saturday, 3rd January 2026, at his country home in Umukalu Ntigha, Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area of the state. The supporters who followed him into the ADC were drawn from various political parties, organised support groups, and political structures spread across the length and breadth of the southeast, including all members of the various state chapters of the South East Mandate for Good Governance.
Speaking at the event, Bishop Prof. Nwankpa said his decision to pitch his tent with the ADC was borne out of deep conviction, explaining that the party’s manifesto aligns closely with his personal political philosophy, which is anchored on people-oriented governance, social justice, and sustainable development. According to him, the move followed wide-ranging consultations and careful consideration of the political direction of the state and the country.
He described the ADC as a credible and progressive platform capable of driving the kind of inclusive and people-centred governance Nigerians yearn for, adding that the party offers a fresh opportunity to rebuild public trust in politics.
Bishop Prof. Nwankpa was officially received into the party by the Abia State Chairman of the ADC, Hon. Don Norman Obinna, alongside members of the Abia State Executive Committee of the party.
Also present were ADC local government chairmen from across the state led by Chief Chimezie Ozems, political leaders from Isiala Ngwa North and South, and other key party stakeholders. Several other prominent politicians from different parts of the state also seized the occasion to formally declare for the ADC.
Beyond the leaders of his political structure who defected with him at the event, Bishop Prof. Nwankpa announced that all members of his political structure across Abia State have been formally mandated to immediately obtain their ADC membership cards, effectively collapsing his entire political base into the party.
The massive turnout at the ceremony and the sheer number of supporters who defected alongside him were widely seen by political observers as a strong demonstration of his grassroots appeal and growing political influence across the state.
In an interaction with journalists after the event, Bishop Prof. Nwankpa disclosed that he is still consulting widely with relevant stakeholders ahead of the 2027 elections. He, however, declined to state whether he would contest for any elective office or the position he may seek, noting that his political intentions would be made public at the appropriate time.
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