National Telescope national telescope newspaper
Taiwo Niyi
Former Senate President Pius Anyim, along with several prominent political figures, defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ebonyi State on Saturday.
The defection occurred during the grand finale of the APC campaign for the Local Government Area (LGA) elections in Abakaliki, the state capital.
Anyim, a former member of the PDP, joined the APC alongside Sen. Obinna Ogba, the PDP gubernatorial candidate in the 2023 elections, and Chief Edward Nkwegu, the Labour Party’s gubernatorial candidate for the same election.
Several former members of the National and State Assemblies, as well as former Local Government Area Chairmen from opposition parties, also switched allegiance to the APC.
In his remarks, Anyim noted the unity of Ebonyi as a single political family, attributing the massive defection of opposition members to this sense of unity.
He praised Governor Francis Nwifuru for his efforts in reconciling various political divides within the state and supporting President Bola Tinubu in addressing national challenges.
APC National Chairman, Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje lauded Governor Nwifuru for continuing the work of his predecessor, Sen. David Umahi, in expanding the party’s influence in Ebonyi and the South East.
Ganduje emphasised that the APC is integrating the South East into national politics through key appointments and infrastructural development.
Governor Nwifuru welcomed the new members, assuring them of their inclusion in the party.
He acknowledged the contributions of his predecessor, Umahi, and President Tinubu in strengthening the party in Ebonyi.
Minister of Works Sen. David Umahi thanked President Tinubu for his support and urged Nigerians to unite in making the country great.
