Former Chief of Staff to ex-Governor Emeka Ihedioha of Imo State, Chris Okewulonu, and Ihedioha’s former deputy governorship candidate, Chuma Nnaji, formally joined the All Progressives Congress on Friday, bringing along their supporters.
The defection, which took place at the APC Secretariat in Owerri, was marked by significant declarations from the new entrants, who cited dissatisfaction with their former party, the Peoples Democratic Party, and admiration for Governor Hope Uzodimma’s leadership.
Addressing the party faithful, Okewulonu reflected on his decision to leave the PDP and its Board of Trustees.
“You will recall that a few months ago, I tendered my resignations, both as a member of the Peoples Democratic Party and as a member of its Board of Trustees,” he began.
Explaining the rationale behind his departure, he said, “My decision to leave that party was taken after deep introspection, coupled with lengthy consultations with members of my family, my political colleagues, and my well-wishers. My decision was equally rooted in my conviction that the qualities which formed the essence of the PDP as a political party, and which ab initio informed my attraction to it, had been continuously eroded, totally degraded, and finally and irretrievably lost.”
Okewulonu also highlighted his time away from active politics, which provided an opportunity to evaluate the political landscape of Imo State critically.
“In the light of the protracted disagreements and schisms in both of the parties which should, and were actually looked upon to constitute the frontline opposition parties in Nigeria, I found myself questioning whether, as a veritable statesman in the polity of Imo State and even Nigeria at large, I could afford to continue paying lip service to being a member of an ineffective, nearly non-existent opposition, whereas I could position myself to actively contribute towards improving the lives of my people,” he stated.
He commended Governor Hope Uzodimma’s 3R administration for its developmental strides in the state.
“Five years down the road, I have come to the inescapable conviction that the 3R administration of Senator Hope Uzodimma has meant well for the people of Imo State, and has been doing its utmost to effectively and efficiently deliver the dividends of good governance to them. The humongous roads and other infrastructural interventions, and the human capacity building initiatives undertaken by the Senator Hope Uzodimma administration are eloquent testimonials to my belief and assertion,” he added.
Governor Uzodimma welcomed the defectors warmly and highlighted the growing appeal of the APC in Imo State.
“APC was seen as a foreign party because of the unfortunate outing in the past. We became victims of mistaken identity. Today, the only party that meant well for Imo citizens is APC,” the governor declared.
He lauded the decision of Okewulonu and Nnaji to join the APC, likening it to a major victory.
“Genuine members of the political class who want Imo to move forward are joining the winning party. The real state owners are coming back to the party. If we don’t solve the problem of our people, history will not forgive us,” he stated.
Uzodimma further praised the duo, describing their defection as comparable to securing elite players in a sports team.
“Conscience is an open wound that only truth can heal. I thank Okewulonu and Chuma Nnaji for joining our party. We have the Ronaldos and Lionel Messis in our party now,” he remarked.
Nnaji, a former Deputy Speaker in the Imo State House of Assembly, affirmed his belief in the APC’s leadership.
“We didn’t come to the party alone, we have over 3,000 supporters who believe in us joining us,” he said.
Other notable defectors included Paschal Obi, a former Ideato South House of Representatives member, and Tochukwu Okere, representing Owerri Federal Constituency, among other prominent figures. The defections marked a significant boost for the APC in Imo State ahead of upcoming political contests.
