PDP heavyweights defect to APC in Ebonyi State over governance grievances

A significant political upheaval has occurred in Ebonyi State as notable figures from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have crossed over to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Among the defectors are former member representing Abakaliki/Izzi Federal Constituency and gubernatorial aspirant in the 2023 elections, Hon. Sylvester Ogbaga, and former Senator Sylvanus Nguji Ngele, who previously served on the PDP’s National Working Committee.

The defection ceremony, held at the Abakaliki Local Government Area Headquarters in Nkaliki on Saturday, witnessed a notable shift in allegiance.

Speaking at the event, Hon. Ogbaga and Senator Ngele cited the PDP’s failure to produce a governor from the Izzi clan as a primary reason for their departure.

They praised the APC-led administration under Rt. Hon. Francis Nwifuru for its commitment to fulfilling the people’s charter of needs and expressed confidence in the party’s ability to deliver more dividends of democracy to Ebonyi State.

Welcoming the defectors into the APC fold were key stakeholders and members of the progressive family, including APC National Treasurer Chief Matthew Uguru, State Chairman Chief Stanley Okoro Emegha, and other local government officials.

They commended the defectors for their courage and urged them to obtain their membership cards and actively engage in party activities at the grassroots level.

This mass defection follows a similar trend observed earlier in Abakaliki Local Government, where prominent PDP members, including Hon. Victor Nwoke, Ebonyi State House of Assembly member for Abakaliki North, joined the APC ranks during a recent visit by the governor’s wife, Mrs. Mary-Maudlin Nwifuru.