By Anthony
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Attorney Charles Onyirimba, a U.S.-trained legal luminary, has formally declared his for the African Democratic Congress, ADC, bringing a large contingent of his teeming supporters into the party ahead of the 2027 general election cycle in a significant political realignment within Okigwe Zone of Imo State.
Onyirimba, who has been on the lips of constituents and the entire structure of his Okigwe Transformation Agenda joined the ADC in his Ward at Umueze-2 of Ehime Mbano LGA on Thursday, January 8, 2026.
The high-profile political event, which took place at a well-attended gathering in the Zone, drew thousands of residents, including community leaders, youth groups, and traditional titleholders, from the six local government areas that make up Okigwe Senatorial District, otherwise known as Imo North, may be a signal that he has considered the calls on him to run for Senate next year.
Attorney Onyirimba, a respected lawyer and community figure in the Okigwe Zone, addressed the cheering crowd, underscoring his confidence in ADC’s platform as a credible alternative to the entrenched national parties. He cited the party’s commitment to internal democracy, good governance, and inclusivity as core reasons for his decision to align with the ADC.
According to Onyirimba, the move represents a collective desire for fresh leadership and stronger representation for Okigwe Zone at both state and national political levels, especially given longstanding marginalisation and underwhelming representation within Imo State politics.
“This is not just my decision, but a popular mandate from our people,” Onyirimba told supporters. “We have come together to lend our strength to a political movement that stands for fairness, accountability, and progress.”
Supporters at the rally, many waving ADC flags and placards, expressed optimism that Onyirimba’s entry into the party would strengthen the opposition ahead of key electoral contests, particularly in a zone known for its large, politically active electorate.
“This is a welcome development,” one Chief Njoku Declan observed. “ The desire of the people is for Onyirimba to go a step further by throwing his hat into the ring and run for Senate. Okigwe needs men of his clout, experience and capacity. We are no longer comfortable with mediocre representation of a zone in a hurry to escape the clutches of underdevelopment.”
Okigwe Zone, encompassing Ehime Mbano, Isiala Mbano, Okigwe, Onuimo, Obowo, and Ihitte/Uboma local government areas, has periodically been a contested political terrain in recent elections, with residents calling for more equitable power distribution and development priorities within Imo State.
Historically, Onyirimba has been active in political circles, previously running for office and mobilising support across the zone. His supporters credit him with deep grassroots engagement and a vision for socio-economic renewal in the area.
The ADC has been gaining momentum as a platform for prominent political figures and grassroots actors seeking alternatives to Nigeria’s two dominant national parties.
Recently, high-profile politicians, including former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and other opposition leaders, have been linked with the ADC, stirring national discourse around the party’s role in shaping the 2027 general election landscape.
ADC chieftains have described these shifts as part of a broader strategy to build a credible third force capable of contesting and possibly displacing the traditional party duopoly in Nigerian politics.
Local political watchers in Okigwe and Imo State have characterized Onyirimba’s move as a game-changing development, potentially reshaping political alliances and voter dynamics ahead of primary elections. Analysts suggest that the consolidation of support within the zone could enhance ADC’s prospects in both legislative and executive contests.
The ADC state leadership is expected to formalise Onyirimba’s membership and structure campaign coordination strategies ahead of upcoming party primaries and the general election cycle.
Attorney Charles Onyirimba’s decision to join the African Democratic Congress, alongside his enthusiastic supporters, marks a notable expansion of the party’s grassroots influence within the Okigwe Zone. Whether this realignment translates into electoral success in 2027 will depend on the party’s ability to consolidate support and navigate intra-party dynamics in the competitive political environment of Imo State and Nigeria at large.
