Former Senate President Pius Anyim, alongside former gubernatorial candidates from opposition parties in Ebonyi State, officially joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Saturday.
Anyim, formerly a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), switched allegiance to the APC along with his supporters during the culmination of the APC’s campaign for local government elections in Abakaliki.
Also joining the APC were former Senator and PDP gubernatorial candidate in the 2023 elections, Obinna Ogba, and Labour Party’s gubernatorial candidate Edward Nkwegu. Several former federal and state lawmakers, as well as former local government area chairpersons from opposition parties, also defected to the APC.
In his address, Anyim emphasized the unity of Ebonyi State’s political family, highlighting the significance of the opposition’s mass defection to the APC as a symbol of that unity. He explained that his decision to join the APC had been well-considered over time, a sentiment echoed by former Governor David Umahi.
“We had different timings in mind for this move, but now we are grateful that it has happened smoothly, uniting us all under one roof,” Anyim remarked.
The former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) underscored that the decision was not just personal but also in the interest of the people of Ebonyi, following extensive consultations.
“We acknowledge Governor Francis Nwifuru’s achievements in reconciling various political factions in the state under one umbrella. Given the economic and socio-cultural challenges facing our country, we pledge to support President Bola Tinubu and collaborate with federal appointees from Ebonyi, including the Minister of Works, to implement policies that uplift the lives of Ebonyi people,” Anyim stated.
APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje praised Governor Nwifuru for his efforts in expanding the APC’s influence in Ebonyi and the entire South-East geopolitical zone.
“The APC is committed to integrating the South-East into national politics. President Tinubu’s appointments of ministers and infrastructural development initiatives in the region reflect this commitment,” Ganduje affirmed.
Governor Francis Nwifuru commended the defectors for their decision and assured them of full integration into the APC, expressing gratitude to former Governor David Umahi for laying a solid foundation for the party’s growth in Ebonyi.
“Ebonyi will experience accelerated development when its leaders and people unite under one political roof to fulfill the aspirations of our administration,” Nwifuru concluded.
