Redaction Africa Links 24 with Legit.ng
Published on 2024-04-02 18:42:29
In a recent political development in Umuahia, Abia state, Anthony Agbazuere, the chief of staff (CoS) to the immediate past governor of Abia state, Okezie Ikpeazu, has led other political appointees from the previous administration to join the All Progressives Congress (APC). This move was reported by The Nation on Tuesday, April 2, marking a shift from the main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Among the notable defectors are a former information and strategy commissioner, Barrister Eze Chikamnayo from Umunneochi, and former NDDC commissioner, Chief Chimezie Okoronkwo. The decision to defect to the APC was made during a stakeholders’ meeting of party members in Umunneochi ahead of the zonal caucus meeting of the APC on Tuesday, April 2.
The mass defection has sparked speculations that Okezie Ikpeazu himself may soon join the APC. While the camp of the immediate past governor has remained quiet on the matter, the national welfare secretary of the APC, Donatus Nwankpa, stated that the defection is part of a political realignment and reintegration process. He emphasized that the defectors believe the APC holds the solution to Abia’s problems and are committed to bringing value and followership to the party.
In another related development, ahead of the 2023 general elections, a former PDP senator from Enugu state, Chukwuka Utazi, recently defected to the APC. Utazi, who represented Enugu North district in the ninth Senate, was formally welcomed into the APC on Saturday, March 30. Additionally, another prominent PDP chieftain who joined the APC was Ambassador Fidelia Njeze, a former Nigerian Ambassador to Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
The wave of defections from the PDP to the APC signals a significant political shift in the region. It reflects a growing trend of key political figures aligning themselves with the ruling party, citing the need for change and a desire to contribute to the governance structure at both state and national levels.
The APC leadership has welcomed the new members with open arms, acknowledging their contributions and expressing confidence that their presence will strengthen the party and broaden its support base. As preparations for the 2023 elections gain momentum, these defections are seen as strategic moves to position the APC for success and consolidate its influence in the political landscape.
In conclusion, the recent defections of key political figures from the PDP to the APC in Abia and Enugu states represent a significant realignment in the political sphere. These developments highlight the changing dynamics of Nigerian politics and the strategic decisions being made by politicians to align themselves with parties that they believe hold the key to addressing the pressing issues facing their communities.
Read the original article on Legit.ng
