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Barr Anthony Agbazuere, the former Chief of Staff under the administration of ex-Abia Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, has spearheaded a wave of defections from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), with other key political figures following suit.
Among those making the switch are Chief Eze Nwanganga, who served as the former Commissioner for Public Utilities; Chief Uzo Ihuka, the former ASOPADEC Commissioner; Chief Sam Nwogu, previously the Environment Commissioner; and the former Chairman of ASOPADEC.
Their exit from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), amid considerable controversy and backlash, unfolded during a critical stakeholders’ assembly of party faithfuls in Umunneochi on Monday, paving the way for the imminent zonal caucus meeting of the APC slated for Tuesday.
Read also: ‘Okezie Ikpeazu Is A Drunkard’ – Senator Adeyemi Declares
The defectors were welcomed into the fold by the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, and the National Welfare Secretary of the party, Chief Donatus Nwankpa.
The announcement of their switch from the PDP to the APC was made during a stakeholders’ gathering convened at the behest of the Minister at her Isuochi residence.
Their departure occurred just shy of three weeks after reportedly participating in an Abia PDP caucus gathering at Ikpeazu’s residence in Umuobiakwa, Obingwa.
The gathering formed a crucial component of the ex-ruling party’s endeavors in Abia, aimed at recalibrating and revitalizing the PDP in anticipation of reclaiming the state from the Labour Party (LP).
While the faction associated with the former Governor has maintained a discreet silence regarding the sizable exodus of its members from the PDP, speculation abounds that this development could be a precursor to orchestrating Ikpeazu’s potential transition to the APC.
Nwankpa told The Nation on Tuesday: ‘It is just political realignment and reintegration.
‘It is part of the political revolution. Their coming will further strengthen the party (APC).
‘They assured that they are bringing value and followership.
‘They said that they felt that they want to be part of the national grid. That they have a lot to offer and that they see APC as the party that has the solution to Abia problems.’
