Several prominent members of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ebonyi State have made a significant move by defecting to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The notable defectors include Hon. Sylvester Ogbaga, a former member representing Abakaliki/Izzi Federal Constituency and a former governorship aspirant in the 2023 general elections, as well as former Senator Sylvanus Nguji Ngele, who also served as a member of the PDP National Working Committee. Alongside them, several other executive members of the PDP have also joined the APC ranks.
The defection ceremony, a momentous occasion, unfolded at the Abakaliki Local Government Area Headquarters in Nkaliki on Saturday.
Addressing the gathering, Hon. Ogbaga and Senator Ngele cited their primary reason for departing from the PDP as the party’s failure to produce a governor from the Izzi clan, a feat accomplished by the APC. This departure aligns with the established charter of equity in Ebonyi State. They emphasized their confidence in the present administration led by Rt. Hon. Francis Nwifuru, emphasizing its commitment to fulfilling the people’s charter of needs. This commitment served as a compelling reason for their decision to align with the ruling party to deliver more dividends of democracy to the people of Ebonyi State.
Receiving the defectors into the APC fold were key stakeholders and members of the progressive family, including APC National Treasurer, Chief Matthew Uguru, APC State Chairman, Chief Stanley Okoro Emegha, Executive Chairman of Abakaliki L.G.A, Hon. Stephen Nwogba, APC Local Government Chairman, Hon. Paulinus Atam, former Chairman Abakaliki L.G.A, Hon. Emmanuel Nwangele, and Commissioner for Lands and Survey, Hon. Matthew Nwobashi, among others. They lauded the defectors for their courageous steps and encouraged them to obtain their membership cards from their respective wards.
This significant defection follows a recent trend where highly placed members of the PDP in Abakaliki Local Government, including the member representing Abakaliki North in the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Hon. Victor Nwoke, were welcomed into the APC family during the visit of the governor’s wife, Mrs. Mary-Maudlin Nwifuru, on April 29th, 2024.