A support group within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), known as ADC Like-Minds, has endorsed retired Major General Chris Sunday Eze as its preferred candidate for the Enugu State chairmanship ahead of the party’s April 11 congress.

The group made its position known in a statement issued by its publicity secretary, Paul Anigbogu, describing Eze as a tested leader with a strong record of service in the military, politics, and diplomacy.

Eze was highlighted as one of the officers involved in the struggle surrounding the annulled June 12 1993 presidential election, widely regarded as a defining moment in Nigeria’s democratic history. The election was believed to have been won by Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola.

His role in that struggle was later acknowledged by Abubakar Dangiwa Umar, who listed him among several military officers that took risks to support the validation of the election outcome. Umar made the disclosure while receiving the national honour of Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

According to the group, Eze’s involvement in the pro-democracy movement, along with his post-military contributions, makes him suitable to lead the party in Enugu. After retiring from the army, he served as State Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and later as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to India during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

ADC Like-Minds said its endorsement was based on what it described as Eze’s integrity, leadership capacity, and experience across different sectors.

Meanwhile, in his remarks during the CFR award acceptance, Umar noted that many individuals who contributed to the June 12 struggle remain unrecognized. He stressed the need for leaders to uphold democratic values and focus on governance that delivers tangible benefits to citizens.

The Enugu ADC congress is expected to determine the party’s leadership structure in the state as political activities gradually build up.