In Enugu State, more than 150 members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP) have defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), bolstering the party’s ranks ahead of future elections.
Prominent figures among the defectors include Peter Okonkwo, a former Commissioner for Local Government; Nonso Ochi, LP’s 2023 candidate for Awgu North; Onyeka Chukwuedo, PDP aspirant from Awgu South; Chief John Edeh, who contested under PDP in Nkanu West; Chief Tony Chigbo, former Chairman of Uzo-Uwani Local Government; and Emeka Abba, a Labour Party chieftain from Udenu.
The new members were formally received at an expanded stakeholders’ meeting held Saturday at the APC state secretariat in Enugu. A communiqué released after the meeting highlighted the party’s rapid growth, stating: “Today’s large number of decampees across local government areas and wards reflects the rising confidence in our party.”
During the meeting, stakeholders endorsed the indefinite suspension of Senator Chuka Utazi by his Nkpologu ward and Uzo-Uwani LGA chapter for alleged anti-party activities. They urged the State Executive Committee to approve the decision without delay.
In a strongly worded statement, the party accused Governor Peter Mbah’s administration of abandoning rural communities in the face of violent attacks. “The state government has failed in its fundamental duty to protect lives and property,” the communiqué read. “Citizens in Uzo-Uwani and Isi-Uzo are at the mercy of killer herdsmen and other violent groups.”
Minister Praised, Ex-Chairman’s Exit Dismissed
The party applauded Minister Uche Nnaji for attracting federal projects and securing welfare items such as Easter rice and farming fertilizers for 2024. In contrast, they brushed off the resignation of former APC chairman Ben Nwoye, saying he had long ceased to be a member.
“Our position remains clear: one cannot resign from a party they no longer belong to,” a party leader stated.
Loyalty to Tinubu Reaffirmed
The gathering concluded with a renewed pledge of loyalty to President Bola Tinubu’s administration and his Renewed Hope agenda. APC leaders in Enugu also called on the Igbo community to rally behind the president’s vision for national development.
