Oriji Tobias Nnabuike has won the African Democratic Congress governorship primary in Ebonyi State. He polled 6,400 votes in the exercise held across all 171 wards.
The election took place at the party's state headquarters along Old Enugu Road in Abakaliki. Mr.
Bassie Umoke, who coordinated the process, announced the results immediately after voting concluded.
A total of 6,730 party members were accredited to vote across the 13 local government areas. Eventually, 6,400 delegates cast their ballots in the primary election.
Umoke explained the rigorous process used to tally votes. Results moved from ward level to constituency centers, then to local government centers, before final declaration at state level.
The lengthy procedure ensured transparency and credibility, according to him. Party officials wanted to guarantee every step followed proper electoral guidelines.
ADC deployed electronic membership registers for the first time. This technology prevented the irregularities that typically plague traditional party primaries.
"We want to change the narrative and make Nigeria workable," Umoke told reporters. "What you see here is verifiable because we used an electronic register."
He noted that every registered member automatically becomes a delegate. This system eliminates disputes over who qualifies to vote in party elections.
Ebonyi State ADC Chairman Dr. Jennifer Adibe praised the entire exercise.
She called it peaceful, transparent, and successful across all areas.
Adibe disclosed that the party has now filled candidates for the State House of Assembly. Positions in the House of Representatives and Senate have also been allocated.
Some candidates emerged through consensus arrangements, while others won direct contests. The method used depended on how many aspirants competed for each seat.
Security concerns didn't materialise during the primary, Adibe stated. Police and the Department of State Services monitored proceedings effectively throughout.
She expressed confidence about the party's 2027 prospects. Adibe believes ADC can challenge the major political parties operating in Ebonyi.
Dr. Pascale Okafor chaired the primary election committee in the state.
He commended delegates for maintaining discipline and order throughout the exercise.
Okafor described the primary as orderly and free from conflict. Every aspect complied strictly with the Electoral Act's requirements.
Princess Nneka Nnebu serves as Deputy National Auditor of ADC. She also functioned as secretary of the electoral committee for Ebonyi.
Nnebu applauded the impressive turnout of party officials and delegates. She reported that the conduct proceeded without any serious challenges or disruptions.
