In a surprising political move, Chief Ogbonnaya Oko-enyim, a popular chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former chairman of Afikpo North Local Government Area has successfully orchestrated the mass defection of over 5000 PDP loyalists to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ebonyi State.
The event took place at the APC state secretariat in Abakaliki, where Oko-enyim and his followers were warmly received by the APC state Chairman, Chief Stanley Emegha.
"The engine room of PDP in Ebonyi State has left and we have no other choice than to join the moving train, the APC," Oko-enyim pointed out," Oko-enyim said.
Speaking further at the defection reception, Oko-enyim emphasized the need for a more progressive and inclusive political platform that could better address the needs and aspirations of the people of Ebonyi.
He expressed his confidence in the leadership of the Ebonyi State government-led by Governor Francis Nwifuru and its commitment to providing good governance and development to the state.
In his words, our decision to join the APC should be seen as a significant political realignment, "I'm bringing over 5,000 loyalists and supporters who had previously rallied behind the PDP."
Receiving Oko-enyim and his followers were warmly welcomed by Stanley Emegha, the APC State Chairman.
Emegha expressed his gratitude for Oko-enyim's trust in the APC and assured the defectors that they would be fully integrated into the party's structure.
He assured the defectors of their full accommodation in the APC government in Ebonyi State.
The party Boss, Emegha who said that Governor Nwifuru's resolute actions have transformed lives beyond imagination charged them to be loyal and law-abiding because APC eschews violence and any act inimical to the fundamentals of societal peace and development.
"You are welcome to the ruling party where lives are transformed, where there is no segregation of any kind. Where governance needs growth, progress and development of the people. Where people are treated equally and not with disdain.
"My Boss and leader of the party, His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Ebonyi State, Right Honourable (Dr) Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru has done incredibly well in terms of giving the people an adorable life lines worthy of mentioning anywhere in the world".
"Some of you that doubted the governor are joining now because you have been convinced in his ability to bring the desired and deserved development to the people".
"Today I charge you to be peaceful and loyal in your conduct because APC is not chaotic and nothing can make it deviate from its original agenda of setting precedence of good governance where lives could be more meaningful and liveable. Work in tandem with the Governor's agenda."
