By Anthony
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The political landscape of Ihitte-Uboma Local Government Area of Okigwe Zone (Imo North) has witnessed a major shake-up, following the mass defection of the entire Labour Party (LP) structure in the area to the Action Democratic Party (ADP).
The development is widely regarded as one of the most significant political realignments in the zone in recent years.
The defection, which drew hundreds of party faithful, stakeholders, ward executives, and community leaders, was formalised during a reception ceremony organised by the ADP leadership in Ihitte-Uboma.
The movement was led by prominent medical practitioner and political stakeholder, Dr. Chukwudi Okebaram, whose political structure within the Labour Party joined the ADP alongside key party officials across the local government.
Among those present were former Labour Party Chairman, Hon. John Ike, current Labour Party Chairman Elder Korieocha Sylvester Ikechukwu, Chairman of Chairmen, Ichie Benald Nwaokefor, State Working Committee member, Lolo Augustina, all ten ward chairmen and their executives, local government executives, party leaders, stakeholders, and supporters.
Receiving the defectors was the Chairman of the ADP in Ihitte-Uboma, Hon. Ezinwa Obed Ajonuma, who described the development as a landmark moment in the party’s expansion and growing acceptance among the people.
As part of the transition, the former Labour Party members agreed to dissolve their existing structures and fully integrate into the ADP, pledging to work together to strengthen the party and advance its electoral prospects.
Many of the defectors cited what they described as the visionary, grassroots-driven, and people-oriented leadership within the ADP as a major factor behind their decision. They commended Hon. Ajonuma, Dr. Okebaram, and Sir Chima Bishop Okereke (Ekurume), the ADP candidate for Okigwe South Federal Constituency, for championing a new political direction focused on effective representation, accountability, and development.
Political observers believe the mass defection could mark the beginning of a broader political realignment across the six local government areas that make up Okigwe Zone.
According to party stakeholders, the momentum generated by the Ihitte-Uboma movement is already reverberating across the zone, where increasing numbers of politicians, community leaders, and grassroots supporters are reportedly reassessing their political affiliations and especially buying into the new conversations championed by the party’s Senatorial Candidate in the zone, Attorney Charles Onyirimba.
The development has reinforced perceptions of the ADP as an emerging political force and a credible alternative to the dominant parties that many residents accuse of presiding over years of underdevelopment, political stagnation, and ineffective representation.
Party sources expressed confidence that the Ihitte-Uboma defection is only the first of several major political movements expected in the months ahead. They believe the growing popularity of the ADP and its expanding grassroots structures will trigger further defections from other political parties as the party continues to make deep inroads across the zone.
Analysts note that the increasing attraction to the ADP reflects a growing desire among many voters for a departure from traditional political arrangements and a renewed emphasis on responsive leadership, development-oriented governance, and genuine representation.
With the incorporation of the entire Labour Party structure in Ihitte-Uboma, the ADP has significantly expanded its organisational reach and grassroots network, strengthening its position ahead of the 2027 general elections.
For many supporters at the event, the development was more than a change of party affiliation; it was a signal that a new political momentum is gathering strength in Okigwe Zone, one that could reshape the region’s political future and challenge the dominance of established parties in the years ahead.
There was a shared conviction among the people that with visionary and people-oriented leaders such as Attorney Charles Onyirimba in the Senate, Bishop Ekurume in the House of Representatives, Hon. Obinwanne Onwuchuruba representing Ehime Mbano State Constituency, and High Chief Raymond Ohakelem representing Ihitte-Uboma State Constituency, Okigwe Zone stands a strong chance of breaking free from years of stagnation and embarking on a new path of development, progress, and purposeful representation.
