By CHARLES IWUOHA

Former governor of Imo State, Rt. Hon Emeka Ihedioha, has formally joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

The move coming barely 24 hours ADC was unveiled in Abuja with former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, and other prominent Nigerians leading the new movement.

Addressing leaders of his grassroots-based Rebuild Imo Movement (RIM) structure at his Civil Centre residence on Thursday, the former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives said: "My party, your party, our party is now ADC. That is the way to go. That is the party for all of us".

Ihedioha, urged the RIM leaders to go to their chapters, wards, local areas and zones to build ADC as a truly grassroots and people based political party.

According to him, "I urge you, as leaders of our Rebuild Imo Movement (RIM), to go home to your respective chapters, wards, LGAs and zones, and take this gospel to the grassroots, to the people. We are people oriented. Our strength is the people, the masses.

"We already have representation in all the booths in the 305 wards in the state, and our structure across the 27 LGAs and three geo political zones are strong, viable and functional. Just go home and invigorate our RIM structure which is highly effective and superb".

Ihedioha, who earned the Omenkeahuruanya title in view of his hallmark and laudable achievements during his sojourn in the House of Representatives, thanked the leaders as well as the followers for their support and patience while they waited for a new political platform.

"I must thank all of you here and those who are not here, for your steadfastness, support and patience. I commend the DG (director general) of our RIM structure for his administrative ingenuity. I appreciate all the state executive members of our structure, the zonal, LGA and ward leaders.

"You all have been wonderful. Equally I use the state women leader, Lady Ijeoma Domike in appreciating all our women. I also acknowledge our youths for their diligence and dedication. Together, we shall triumph", Ihedioha enthused.

The leaders left the scene elated and joyful as their principal's ADC announcement had dramatically and sensationally launched them into the main political orbit after their mass resignation from the PDP in April last year.

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