The Ebonyi State chapter of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) has downplayed the significance of the recent defection of some of its members including a serving federal lawmaker to the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC), insisting the party remains united, strong, and focused on its political future.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with NATIONAL PANEL reporter yesterday in Abakaliki, APGA State Chairman, Mr. Chukwudi Nwankwor, described the defection as politically inconsequential and motivated purely by personal ambition, not ideological conviction.
This reaction followed the June 14 defection of Mr Joseph Nwobasi, who represents Ezza-North/Ishielu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.
Elected in 2023 on APGA's platform, Nwobasi's sudden shift to APC has sparked political discussions across Ebonyi State, particularly given the timing and the fragile nature of opposition politics in the state and others parts of Nigeria.
Nwankwor, however, insisted the party’s structure remains intact. “Our members are still united in Ebonyi. The only party executives that left with Rep Nwobasi are one State House of Assembly member, the state youth leader, and the Ebonyi North vice chairman, Emmanuel Mbam,” he clarified.
He further pointed out that many of APGA’s local ward structures remain undisturbed, citing strongholds in areas like Ezza-North, Okposi ward in Ohaozara, and even Oshegbe ward—Nwobasi’s own political base.
Casting the defection as a broader symptom of Nigeria’s ideological vacuum in party politics, Nwankwor said: “In Nigeria, people don’t have ideology. How can someone win an election under a party’s platform and then dump that party immediately after? It’s laughable.”
While Nwobasi may have switched sides, Nwankwor maintained that the lawmaker still holds an APGA mandate, and hinted at possible party actions after due consultation.
“Though Nwobasi is still on our mandate, after consultation, we will come up with our decision.”
He also warned against attempts to reduce Nigeria’s political space to a one-party system, noting that democracy thrives on plurality and diverse representation.
APGA’s reaction signaled a deliberate effort to project stability and resilience in the face of internal fractures. The chairman used the opportunity to rally party members and Ebonyi citizens, urging them not to be swayed by what he termed “the desperation of those who put personal gain above public good.”
As 2027 looms on the political horizon, the Ebonyi APGA leadership appears keen to reposition itself as a formidable opposition force—determined to resist internal erosion and external domination.
The defection saga in Ebonyi highlighted not only the volatility of party loyalty in Nigeria but also the growing concern over political opportunism. For APGA, the challenge now lies in transforming this moment of loss into a rallying point for internal consolidation and strategic planning for future electoral contests.
