In a surprising turn of events, the political landscape of Ebonyi State witnessed a seismic shift as supporters of former Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim and other prominent figures made a bold move by defecting to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The exodus of Anyim’s loyalists, who were once staunch members of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ivo Local Government Area (LGA) of the state, has sent shockwaves through the region.
Among the high-profile defectors are Hon. Livunus Makwe, a former two-term House of Representatives member, Hon. Oliver Osi, a former two-term House of Assembly member, and Aja Nwabueze, the deputy governorship candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general elections in the state. The defection also saw leaders and members of other political parties such as the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and the National Rescue Movement (NRM) joining the APC bandwagon.
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The grand reception for the defectors was orchestrated by the APC state chairman, Chief Stanley Okoro Emegha, and Ivo LGA chairman, Chief Emmanuel Ajah. Chief Ajah emphasized the unity within the party and assured the newcomers of their rightful place in the APC family. He reiterated the party’s commitment to inclusivity and promised to integrate the defectors into the party’s activities seamlessly.
Speaking on behalf of the PDP defectors, Hon. Makwe highlighted their decision to switch allegiance to the APC as a strategic move to fortify and enhance the party’s strength. He cited the abandonment of zoning by the PDP during the 2023 general election as a pivotal factor in their decision to leave. The commendation was also extended to the local government chairman for fostering peace and harmony in Ivo LGA.
Adding their voices to the chorus of support for the APC, Ajah Nwabueze, the deputy governorship candidate of the Labour Party, and Orji Joseph, the chairman of NRM in the local government, lauded Governor Nwifuru’s leadership style for fostering unity and progress in the state. Their endorsement of the APC was a testament to the transformative leadership of Governor Nwifuru and the party’s vision for a prosperous Ebonyi State.
Chief Stanley Okoro Emegha, the state APC chairman, reassured existing party members that the influx of new members should be seen as healthy competition rather than a threat. He encouraged party faithful to embrace the spirit of competition, as it would only serve to strengthen the party and bring out the best in its members. Emegha expressed his delight at the unity displayed by the opposition leaders in Ivo LGA and declared the end of opposition in the region with their defection.
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As the political landscape in Ebonyi State undergoes a profound transformation, the APC leadership calls for continued unity, peace, and inclusivity within the party. Emegha affirmed the party’s commitment to fairness and pledged that no member would face discrimination within the APC ranks. The influx of Anyim Pius Anyim’s loyalists and other opposition figures into the APC marks a significant turning point in the state’s political dynamics, setting the stage for a new era of collaboration and progress.
