|
Listen to article
|
The Abia State branch of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) expressed gratitude for the recent shift of some members to the All Progressives Congress (APC), noting their departure as a natural progression, suggesting they have outlived their relevance within the party’s ranks.
Labeling the situation as a favorable cleansing, the party welcomed the departure, affirming that the defectors had ceased to serve any purpose within its ranks.
According to THE EASTERN UPDATE, Anthony Agbazuere, former chief of staff to the previous Governor of Abia State, Okezie Ikpeazu, Eze Chikamnayo, former Commissioner of Information, and Uzo Azubuike, a former House of Representatives member, are among the notable former Abia State Government officials and PDP stalwarts who officially joined the APC in the State on Monday.
Minister of State for Labour, Nkeiruka Onyejiocha, voiced delight as she welcomed the PDP defectors to her country home in Isuochi, Umunneochi, Abia State, expressing satisfaction with their choice to align with the APC and deeming their inclusion a positive progression.
Having previously been affiliated with the PDP before joining the APC, the minister expressed optimism that the collaboration with the APC would enhance the party’s prospects in the State.
She promised them equal opportunities and treatment with old members of the party.
Onyejiocha, a former member of the House of Representatives, while recognising the political and electoral values of the former PDP members, enjoined them to assist in further entrenching the party in all parts of Abia State.
Donatus Nwankpa, the APC National Welfare Secretary and former head of the Party in the region, reassured former PDP members who defected that the party remains united despite assertions from critics labeled as dissenters.
Read also: Otti Inaugurates 9-man Visitation Panel To Abia State Varsity
He urged them to dedicate their efforts to the significant and vital mission of enlarging the party’s membership, especially at the grassroots level.
Conversely, Abraham Amah, the Abia PDP vice chairman, also serving as the acting Publicity Secretary, articulated in a statement released on Tuesday, his acceptance of the defections with a receptive attitude, acknowledging their right to freedom of association.
‘The Abia PDP truly appreciates the exit of these people, because after the 2023 general elections, the party did a post-mortem on itself and came to the inevitable conclusion that the party needs to reinvent itself for the future.
‘The only way for that to happen would be for the party to shed weight not by expelling some people, but for those responsible for its brief downturn to exit by themselves.
