Minister says defections into APC, endorsement of Tinubu’s Performance

The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, has said that the massive defection into the All Progressives Congress (APC) is a clear endorsement of Nigerians’ views on the performance of President Bola Tinubu in the last few months in office.

Nnaji, therefore, urged Ndigbo to fully embrace the APC as a way of supporting the President to reposition the country for the good of the people.

Speaking in Enugu at an event to receive into the APC fold defectors from the Labour Party (LP) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the minister stated that the party (APC) was currently preparing grounds for a smooth takeover of power from the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Enugu State in 2027.

The new entrants into the APC include a former chieftain of the PDP from Ukana, Udi Local Government Area, Chief Basil Ani; former chieftain of the LP from Udenu LGA, Chief Emeka Abah; and former PDP chieftain from Uzo-Uwani LGA, Tony Chigbo, and their supporters.

Nnaji declared that the APC was prepared to continue transforming Nigeria into a global player in the comity of nations.

He criticised the PDP government in Enugu State for allegedly stifling people’s livelihoods and economic activities with all manner of taxes and levies.

“We are bringing up an alternative government, a government that is based on the people of Enugu State, a government that will come and listen to the cry of the people. We’re appealing to our people to keep joining the APC, that’s the party at the national level.

“You can see the number of jobs we have provided, both employment and appointments. It has never been this good in the South East and Enugu State in particular,” Nnaji said.

Also speaking, the state chairman of APC, Agballah, commended President Tinubu for providing visionary leadership, adding that the party was stronger now than ever to take on the PDP in the state.

“States like Anambra and Ebonyi have overtaken Enugu, why is it so? It’s so because a cabal has held us captive for 26 years of democracy, and we are here to take power from them. Every state in the eastern region has had the benefit of experiencing another party in power. Enugu is the only state where one party has been in power for 26 years, and we say no to that. There must be change in Enugu State,” Agballah declared.

Speaking, one of the defectors, Chief Ani, stated: “Joining APC is not just about agreeing with the policies of signing a membership card, it’s about making a personal commitment, about putting our values into action, and about working together not just as party members but as fellow citizens to create the society of our dreams, which we know is possible.”

He assured that they would use resources at their disposal to grow the party in their respective local government areas and promised to ensure total victory for APC in 2027.

It could be recalled that Minister Nnaji, Agballah, and Chief Emma Eneukwu, Deputy National Chairman of APC, South, recently presented Labour Party House of Representatives members from Enugu State to the leadership of APC, preparatory for their official defection into APC.

The House of Reps members elected under the platform of the Labour Party who have indicated interest in joining the APC included Sunday Umeha, Labour Party member representing Udi/Ezeagu Federal Constituency; Chima Atu, Labour Party member representing Enugu North/Enugu South Fed Constituency; and Chidi Obetta, Labour Party member representing Nsukka/Igboeze-South Fed Constituency.

Also presented to the national leadership of APC during a combined meeting of NWC members, State chairmen, and the Progressive Governors’ Forum were Oguerinwa Amadi, Labour Party Senatorial zone candidate for Enugu West Senatorial Zone and former PDP member, Federal House of Reps 2015-2023; and Emeka Mamah, a former Commissioner in Enugu State.