Emenike Joins Opposition Coalition, Says Move Aimed at Rescuing Nigeria from Poor Leadership

The 2023 governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State, Chief Ikechi Emenike, has confirmed his involvement in an emerging political coalition, saying the decision is aimed at helping to “rescue Nigeria from miserable leadership.”

Emenike made the disclosure yesterday while reacting to a statement issued by a group that questioned his membership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and alleged ulterior motives behind his defection.

Describing the claims as “trash and pure blackmail,” Emenike dismissed suggestions that his presence in the ADC would trigger internal crisis, insisting that he has consistently engaged in what he called politics of development.

He also faulted the unnamed group, allegedly linked to the ADC Vanguard, for what he described as unnecessary agitation over his defection, adding that such reactions reflected fear of his growing influence within the party.

According to him, his decision to join forces with like-minded political leaders was driven by the need to reposition the country and prevent further decline in governance.

Emenike stressed that he was not in the ADC to pursue any elective office, stating that he had no ambition to contest for governorship or any other political position.

“The ADC of today is made up of leaders from different parties who have converged to salvage Nigeria,” he said.

He maintained that his departure from the APC should be seen as a principled political decision, arguing that he deserved commendation rather than criticism for leaving the ruling party.

“Any Igbo man who has the courage to refuse to be part of Tinubu’s miserable performance and Igbo-phobic tendencies should be applauded,” he added.

On concerns over the influx of his supporters into the ADC in Abia State, Emenike urged those uncomfortable with the development to remain calm, assuring that the party would benefit from the expansion.

He noted that having built a large political following across Abia State over the past two decades, it was only natural that his supporters would align with his new political platform.

The development economist further challenged his critics to identify federal projects attracted to Abia State by those questioning his political choices, insisting that accountability should guide political engagement.

He claimed credit for facilitating projects such as the establishment of the Federal Polytechnic, Umunneochi, and the Federal College of Education, Ofeme, Umuahia, as well as several empowerment initiatives.

Emenike also cautioned against what he described as defamatory attacks from faceless groups, warning that he would not hesitate to seek legal redress over what he termed libellous statements against his person.