PDP predicts mass return of members from APC
The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has said the massive defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) is a clear endorsement of Nigerians of the performance of President Bola Tinubu in office.
Adding to defections to the ruling party was Dr Chris Okobah and his supporters from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State, which caused wild jubilation yesterday.
However, Kaduna State PDP expressed optimism that some of its members, who recently defected to APC would soon return to the former ruling party. Nnaji, therefore, urged Ndigbo to fully embrace the APC to support the President to reposition the country for the good of the people.
Speaking in Enugu at an activity to receive into the APC fold, defectors from the Labour Party (LP) and PDP, the minister stated that APC was preparing grounds for a smooth takeover of power from the PDP in Enugu come 2027.
The new entrants into the APC include former PDP chieftain from Ukana, Udi Local Council, Basil Ani; former LP chieftain from Udenu Local Council, Emeka Abah and former PDP chieftain from Uzo-Uwani, Tony Chigbo along with their teeming supporters.
The minister criticised the PDP government in Enugu for allegedly stifling people’s livelihood and economic activities with all manner of taxes and levies.
One of the defectors, 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.”
OKOBAH and his supporters formally defected to the APC during a well-attended ceremony at Ward 2, Onicha-Ugbo in Aniocha North Local Council. Former treasurer of PDP in the area, Justus Elue, also joined the APC at the ceremony attended by the APC Oshimili South House Assembly candidate in the 2023 general elections, SualezeEluaka, and other party stalwarts.
Okobah said the defection was to enable him realign with the APC in its avowed determination to bring development and progress to Onicha-Ugbo as well as tackle the problem of unemployment in the community.
He expressed optimism that within the shortest time possible, the APC would bring unprecedented democracy dividends to Onicha-Ugbo, insisting that the people’s interest would be prioritised at the highest level of conversation.
Receiving Okobah and his supporters into the APC, the Aniocha North APC Chairman, Matthew Chinyere, said Okobah’s defection to APC was a good omen, adding that he would bring his wealth of experience to bear in the conduct of the party’s affairs.
CHAIRMAN of the PDP Appeal and Reconciliation Committee in Kaduna, Shuaibu Miqati, in a statement, yesterday, urging party members not to lose hope despite the recent defections .
Miqati acknowledged that the defections were sad and worrisome, butemphasised that the committee was working to address grievances and make amends where necessary.
According to Miqati, the PDP is taking steps to address internal issues and win back defected members.
He added: “Politics is dynamic and change, just as challenge, is a permanent feature. You will see more defections from the APC to PDP soon. Be ready and watch out with care and calmness for the unfolding scenarios. If care is not taken history would repeat itself. In 2014, many people left the PDP, a handful, indeed many of these people are back to the party. We live to see.”
