By Onyewuchi Ojinnaka
Consequent upon the reported vice-presidential ambition of Ebonyi State governor, Engineer Dave Umahi, and his plan to dump the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the party on which ticket he won the gubernatorial election in the State to move to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), reactions from party chieftains continue to trail the reported development.
One of the PDP chieftains and former aviation minister Femi Fani-Kayode reacted via his twitter handle.
“The rumour that my friend & brother Gov. David Umahi of Ebonyi state is planning to leave @OfficialPDPNig & join @OfficialAPCNg is troubling. I am yet to confirm if it is true & I will see him in the next few days to know the true position of things but if it is then I urge the leadership of the PDP to do all they can to ensure that he stays. Not only is he a profoundly good man and an excellent Governor but his contributions to the success of the PDP over the last 20 years at various levels is immeasurable and simply extraordinary.”
“Apart from that, he happens to be a good friend of mine & someone I hold in high esteem and have immense respect and affection for. Unlike many he is forthright & his word is his bond. He is either with you or against you, he is fearless & bold & he has the courage of his convictions.
“What makes the matter worse is that other Governors may also contemplate leaving if he does because he has a lot of friends & goodwill amongst them. If that happens it will affect our party’s chances in the 2023 presidential election in a very significant way.
“Again I call on the National Chairman and the NWC of our great party to do all they can to keep Umahi on board. He is one of our brightest and best and losing him to the APC would be a monumental error and great tragedy.
“The fact of the matter is that we need him just as we need everyone else and petty divisions and internal wrangling at this crucial time do not help us.
“Umahi is a great asset to the party and a source of strength and inspiration to the rank & file right across the country,” Fani Kayode said.
It was widely reported that the Ebonyi State Governor and Chairman of the South East governors’ Forum intends to join the All Progressives Congress ahead of the 2023 election.
Following the reports, the National Chairman of the PDP, Uche Secondus and other leaders had a meeting few days ago with Engr. Umahi to dissuade him from joining the APC, an offer he reportedly declined.