Ikpeazu’s Ex-Chief of Staff, Ex-Abia Commissioners, dump PDP for APC

Former Chief of Staff to ex Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, Prof. Anthony Agbazuere, former Commissioner for Information, Chief Eze Chikamnayo, former Commissioner for Environment, Chief Sam Nwogu and over 10 chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party in Abia State, have dumped the party for the All Progressives Congress, APC.

Others include; former Commissioner for Physical Planning, Elder Godwin Nna, former Commissioner; Chief Eze Nwanganga; Chief Uzor Ihuka and Chief Uzo Azubuike.

It is gathered that the former PDP would soon be received into the party during the APC zonal meeting.

Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, who announced the defection of the former PDP chieftains into the APC during a meeting at her country home, Isuochi, in Umunneochi council area, described their decision as timely.

The Minister disclosed that she was impressed with the quality of the ex PDP members who have the credentials to secure victories for the APC in subsequent elections.

She also explained that she was reluctant to convene a meeting since her inauguration as Minister because she found herself in a new work environment and had to focus on the assignment before taking certain decisions.

She said; “I appreciate you all for joining the APC. I can see some very experienced and season politicians here. As a minister, I am a Minister for Abia State and for everybody. I pledge my loyalty to Nigeria, Abia State and to my party the APC.

“I am convinced with the faces I am seeing here today, because they are people who will always win election in their areas. They are people you cannot neglect.

"I promise to continue to strive to serve my people and my country. Peace  is my ultimate goal and I will always strive for it.

“As a Minister, l understand the responsibility entrusted to me. I am dedicated to fulfilling the party’s promises. Abia State holds a special place in my heart. In my role at the Ministry of Labour, I am committed to fulfilling the core mission of reducing poverty and creating jobs,not just for Abia, but for all of Nigeria. My aim is to showcase the best of Abia to the entire nation and make all Abians proud."

Also speaking at the meeting ,National Welfare Secretary of the APC, Chief Donatus Nwankpa, who commended the former PDP chieftains, also stated that there is no division within the state chapter of the party.

He charged the old and new members to embark on aggressive grassroots mobilisation for the APC ahead of future elections.

He said: “I thank the Minister, for this all in important meeting, and I want to assure her here before our new members, that there is no onlooker here. Everyone here is a registered member of our party.

“Now, to our new members, I want to remind you that politics is local, and I want you to know that there is no faction in Abia APC. Go and preach the message of APC in your various wards and LGA. Avoid internal rivalry. Go and unite and reason together to win for our party, APC.

“I believe in the leadership of Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, and the leader of South East, APC, Governor Hope Uzodinma.”

On his part, Chief Emeka Atuma, a two time member of House of Representatives, said the gathering was to create a powerful and successful group for the APC.

"This meeting is aimed at forming a winning force for APC. As we all know, Hon. Nkeiruka is a force, herself and can defend the cause of Abia.

“I want to let us know that we are on the right track, and with the right channel. I urge you all to give the Minister our maximum support to succeed in her leadership.

Speaking on behalf of the decampees, Prof. Anthony Agbazuere, described the event as divine mandated by God and expressed confidence in Onyejeocha's leadership abilities, stressing that only a capable leader could have attracted such number of eminent politicians to the meeting.

He said: “Today is not of man, but God, and the Bible told us that at times God turned the counsel of Ahitophel into foolishness. That is what has happened to my former party.

“Hon. Minister, you can see the caliber of people who are joining you in the APC. It is a testament to our vision. The time of APC is now.

“I have already communicated with my people, and meetings will start henceforth. We are going to support the Minister and the APC. Those thinking that APC is having problem, should know that President Tinubu is a different person in politics, and the best thing is for everyone of us is to fall in line."

Former Commissioner for Information, Chief Eze Chikamnayo, also pledged his loyalty to the Minister and the party.

He said: “I thank the  Minister for this meeting. What we are doing here today is that we are to reinforce the ruling party and to make a change."