By Roland Ike
A Former Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ebonyi State, Chief Ugorji Amah–Oti on Thursday, defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) alongside over 15 party stalwarts in the area.
The defectors joined APC supporters during the the Party’s Local Government Area elections campaign at Edda LGA of the state.
Amah–Oti told the crowd that they defected to the APC in order not to be left behind as members of the opposition in the state were joining the party in droves.
“We are awed by the exemplary leadership of Gov Francis Nwifuru who has ensured that peace and unity pervade the state.
“Security has become top notch across the state with people presently staying out late at night unlike in the past.”
He noted that they would ensure that APC controls the council in its entirety to sustain the prevailing peace and development.
“The stalwarts who defected with me include: two former chairmen of the council, former senatorial and house of assembly aspirants, councillors among others.
“There are several others who are not present to declare their defection but would do so in the coming days.”
The APC State Chairman, Chief Stanley Okoro-Emegha welcomed the defectors and assured them that they would be accommodated equitably in the party’s affairs.
“You have been forgiven for wasting time to join us and before 2027, APC will take full control of his state.
“I went round houses of opposition members in the council and urged them to join the APC.
“I admonished that it is better for us to agitate under one roof than to do so separately.”
He urged the chairman to continue doing what will benefit the masses and not be distracted by negative tendencies of some people.
“The massive turnout for this rally shows that you did well in your first tenure and your people earnestly want you for another tenure.”
Mrs Patricia Obila, the state Deputy Governor thanked the people for turning out en masse for the rally noting that Ebonyi has developed rapidly under the APC.
“Governor Nwifuru is God sent and determined to uplift lives through his people’s charter of needs mantra.
“I thank stakeholders of the council for propagating and sustaining peace in the area which is evidently in the people’s interest.”
The Chairman of the Council who is also the party’s flag bearer for the polls, Chief Chima Ekumankama thanked the people for their unalloyed support and promised to perform better if elected for a second term.
“I thank the stakeholders for their support and pledge to continue making peace the watchword of my administration.”
Local Government elections in the state will be held on July 20, 2024.
