Former Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim has defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC). He announced his defection at the Pa Oruta Ngele Township Stadium in Abakaliki, the state capital, during the Grand Finale of the APC Local Government election campaign on Saturday.
Anyim led a group of notable personalities from various political parties, including former state and National Assembly members, Edwin Nkwegu, the former governorship candidate of the Labour Party in the state, Senator Obinna Ọgba, and numerous former national and state assembly candidates, along with thousands of their supporters, to join the APC.
They were welcomed by APC National Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum Governor Hope Uzodinma, Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru, Minister of Works David Umahi, State Chairman of the party Stanley Meghan, and other party leaders.
At the event, Minister of Works David Umahi commended Anyim for his support during the 2023 elections, saying it was fitting for him to formally join the APC. Umahi also expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his support during Umahi’s legal battles following his own defection to the APC.
Umahi said, “President Tinubu called me to come and see him, and when I came, he personally took me in his car to meet a Senior Advocate of Nigeria who handled our case.”
He noted the challenges and opposition he faced when he joined the APC but highlighted the party’s current popularity in the state and the South-East. Umahi emphasized President Tinubu’s commitment to the development of the southeast and called for the region’s support.
Umahi revealed that the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road would pass through Ebonyi and mentioned ongoing work on other major roads in the region. He urged the two governors and other party leaders to work diligently to bring every stakeholder in the region into the party, ensuring the southeast’s rightful place in national politics.
Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo noted that the recent Supreme Court ruling would strengthen democracy in the country. He urged youths to refrain from protests against President Tinubu’s government.
In his remarks, Anyim assured the APC National Chairman and other leaders that Ebonyi state has always been united under one political family. He stated that the people have resolved to support the APC in appreciation of Governor Francis Nwifuru’s performance and efforts to unite all groups in the state.
Source: Punch