By Ishaya Ibrahim, News Editor
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has struck a blow to the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Anambra State barely 20 days to the November 6 governorship poll.
The PDP is the less attractive destination for political defections in the state among the big players in the election.
APGA has the incentive (financial and political appointments) to attract politicians into its rank since it is the ruling party in Anambra.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) holds the federal purse since it is the ruling party at the national level, and can bully its way into the Government House in Awka with ‘federal might.’
But some APGA members, led by the Anambra State Youth Leader, Comrade Eziokwu Magnus, and five aides to Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State, defected to the PDP and were welcomed into the party by the party’s flagbearer in the election, Valentine Ozigbo, and the Delta State governor, Ifeanyi Okowa.
Also on ground to welcome the newcomers are; Ndubuisi Nwobu, the Chairman of the PDP in Anambra State, the Deputy Governorship Candidate, Azuka Enemo, and several PDP leaders at a ceremony held at the Delta State Government House in Asaba on Tuesday, October 12, 2021.
Comrade Magnus joined the PDP along with several serving members of the Governor Willie Obiano-led government, including Hon Abuchi Egboo, the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) Environment; Barr Eziafa Charisma, a Special Assistant on Legal Matters; Emeka Nwabunwane, Deputy Chairman of Dunukofia and SSA on Community Liaison; Engr Ibik Kelvin, the SSA to the Governor on Works; Uzuegbunnam Chike, an APGA Zonal Youth Leader in Anambra Central; several special assistants, Councillors local government youth leaders.
In a brief welcome speech, Ozigbo hailed the new entrants for their courage to take a stand for what is right for Anambra by rejecting a failed government and party when the state needs them to stand up and be heard the most.
The business mogul further explained that their decision is significant as it is evidence of the prevalent sentiments of the majority of Ndi Anambra.
“Comrade Magnus and this powerful delegation are welcome to the PDP, and I can assure you that this is a sign of things to come. Yesterday, Ndi Anambra in Delta State unanimously threw their weight behind this historic project. As a sign of their commitment to this project, Comrade Magnus and his contingent went out of their way to witness the memorable occasion and today, they are publicly pitching their tent with the PDP.
“I want to thank our host, Governor Okowa, who is the Deputy Chairman of the National Campaign Council for the Anambra Governorship election, and I think it is befitting that he is on hand to welcome our new members,” Ozigbo added.
Chief Nwobu, in his address, expressed excitement at receiving the delegation into the PDP. He added that they would be fully integrated into the PDP structure and work together to achieve victory in November.
Several PDP leaders were present at the ceremony, including Hon Obinna Chidoka, the lawmaker representing Idemili North and Idemili South at the Federal House of Representatives; key directors and members of the Anambra PDP Governorship Campaign Organisation and some members of the Anambra PDP State Working Committee.
